Step Into the Wild: East Staffordshire’s Top Nature Reserves

Six Stunning Nature Reserves to Add to Your Must-Visit List

If you’re seeking fresh air, peaceful views, and the soothing sounds of nature, East Staffordshire’s nature reserves are open in all four seasons and waiting to be explored. With wetlands, wildflower meadows, ancient woodland, and riverside trails, this region is home to a surprisingly rich variety of habitats and species.

Managed by conservation charities, wildlife trusts, and water authorities, these reserves not only protect wildlife but offer walking, birdwatching, and photography opportunities for visitors of all ages.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust manages a wide range of nature reserves across the county, including several beautiful sites in East Staffordshire such as Branston Leas, Tucklesholme, and Brankley Pastures. These reserves play a vital role in protecting local wildlife, restoring habitats, and giving nature a chance to thrive. From wetlands alive with birdsong to ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows buzzing with pollinators, each site offers a unique experience for visitors. Open all year round, they’re perfect for peaceful walks, wildlife spotting, or simply reconnecting with the natural world. The Trust also runs conservation projects and community events to help people of all ages get involved and learn about Staffordshire’s rich biodiversity. Get involved

Branston Water Park, nr Burton upon Trent

Branston Water Park

Nestled just outside Burton upon Trent, Branston Water Park is a shining example of successful environmental restoration. Once an open-cast gravel pit, this 23.5-hectare site has been transformed into a thriving Local Nature Reserve, celebrated for its rich biodiversity and tranquil landscapes. The park’s centerpiece is a 40-acre lake, encircled by one of Staffordshire’s largest reed beds—a Grade 1 Site of Biological Importance—providing a vital habitat for a variety of wildlife. Bird enthusiasts can delight in spotting species such as herons, swans, coots, and the elusive water rail. The surrounding woodlands and wildflower meadows are home to willow and birch trees, as well as a plethora of butterflies and dragonflies, including over 20 different species of the latter. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely one-mile circular walk along level, accessible paths, making it suitable for all ages and abilities. Additional amenities include a children’s play area, picnic spots, and a café offering refreshments. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful nature retreat or a family-friendly outing, Branston Water Park offers a serene escape into the heart of Staffordshire’s natural beauty.

Look out for: Reed warblers, dragonflies, and great crested grebes.
Refuel at: The Hub Café – a welcoming lakeside spot for drinks and snacks.

Location: Branston, Burton upon Trent
Length: 1.5 miles (lakeside circular)
Difficulty: Easy – flat paths, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
More info: Visit Branston Water Park

Branston Leas Nature Reserve, nr Burton upon Trent

Branston Leas Nature Reserve

Nestled along the banks of the River Trent near Burton upon Trent, Branston Leas Nature Reserve is a flourishing 82-acre haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust in partnership with St. Modwen Homes, this reserve has undergone significant restoration to reconnect the river to its natural floodplain, enhancing habitats for a diverse range of species. Visitors can meander through woodlands where over 20,000 trees have been planted, and in spring, enjoy the vibrant display of 14,000 bluebell bulbs. The reserve’s varied landscapes support an array of flora and fauna, including kingfishers, otters, and numerous butterfly species. A 6km (approximately 3.7 miles) circular walk offers a peaceful journey through this biodiverse area, with starting points at the Riverside Hotel or the railway bridge connecting the Branston Leas Housing Estate. Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Branston Leas provides a serene setting to immerse yourself in Staffordshire’s natural beauty.

Look out for: Butterflies, buzzards, and summer orchids.
Refuel at: The Riverside Hotel, Branston

Location: Branston, Burton upon Trent
Length: Approx. 2 miles of meadow and riverside paths
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
More info: Visit Branston Leas Nature Reserve

Tucklesholme Nature Reserve. nr Barton under Needwood

Tucklesholme Nature Reserve

Nestled along the River Trent near Barton-under-Needwood, Tucklesholme Nature Reserve is a remarkable example of ecological restoration. Once a gravel quarry, this 130-acre site has been transformed into a thriving wetland habitat, offering a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and a peaceful retreat for visitors.

Managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Tucklesholme boasts expansive reedbeds, open water, and wet grasslands that support a variety of bird species. Notably, the reserve provides nesting grounds for oystercatchers, lapwings, shelducks, and the elusive bittern, a species that hasn’t bred in Staffordshire for over a century. The southern lake’s sandy shingle shores are ideal for little ringed plovers, while the northern reedbeds are expanding to become the largest in the Trent Valley, aiming to attract breeding bitterns in the future.

Visitors can explore accessible trails with bird hides and viewing screens, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and nature photography. The reserve is open year-round, with the best times to visit being spring, for breeding waders, and winter, for overwintering wildfowl . For more information, visit the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Tucklesholme page

Look out for: Lapwings, oystercatchers, and skylarks.
Refuel at: Barton Marina – cafés, pubs and restaurants by the canal.

Location: Between Burton and Barton under Needwood
Length: Approx. 2 miles of circular walking routes
Difficulty: Easy – meadow and riverside paths
More info: Visit Tucklesholme Nature Reserve

Brankley Pastures, nr Hoar Cross

Brankley Pastures, Photo credit: Greg Lynch

Nestled near Barton-under-Needwood, Brankley Pastures is a captivating nature reserve managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, dedicated to restoring the historic wood pasture landscapes of the Needwood Forest. This long-term project aims to recreate a mosaic of grassland and woodland habitats, reminiscent of the area’s 18th-century ecology. Visitors can embark on a well-signposted circular walk, approximately 1.5 miles in length, traversing gentle inclines and flat terrains suitable for most walkers. The trail meanders through ancient oak groves, open meadows, and newly planted woodlands, offering glimpses of the evolving landscape.

Brankley Pastures is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The diverse habitats support a rich array of flora and fauna, including over 500 insect species, with 23 nationally scarce varieties associated with decaying wood. Birdwatchers may spot buzzards soaring overhead, while the meadows are alive with butterflies and bumblebees. Fungi such as the Amethyst Deceiver and Parasol Mushroom add to the site’s ecological tapestry. Grazing cattle play a crucial role in maintaining the balance between grassland and woodland, mirroring traditional land management practices. Accessible year-round, the reserve is particularly enchanting from April to July when wildflowers are in bloom. A modest car park is available at the entrance, though visitors should note the 2-meter height restriction. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead, especially during the nesting season. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or seeking a peaceful retreat, Brankley Pastures offers a unique glimpse into Staffordshire’s natural heritage

Look out for: Grassland birds, butterflies, and wildflowers.
Refuel at: The Deer Park Farm Shop & Café – just a short drive away.

Location: Nr Hoar Cross, East Staffordshire
Length: Approx. 1.5–2 miles of meadow and woodland walks
Difficulty: Moderate – some uneven paths
More info: Visit Brankley Pastures

Blithfield Walks, nr Abbots Bromley

Blithfield Walks

Nestled in the serene Blithe Valley near Rugeley, Blithfield Reservoir is a 790-acre expanse of water and woodland, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its rich biodiversity and vital habitats. Managed by South Staffs Water, the reservoir offers a trio of color-coded walking trails—Blue, Red, and Yellow—each providing unique experiences for nature enthusiasts and casual walkers alike.

Blue Route
This 1.2-mile (2 km) trail meanders through a mix of broadleaf and coniferous woodland, including English oak, sycamore, and Scots pine. Partially suitable for wheelchairs, the path leads to “The Dell,” a bird feeder station and hide, offering opportunities to spot woodpeckers, pheasants, and, in winter, redwings and siskins.

Red Route
Approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 km) long, this moderately challenging trail traverses broadleaf woodland and crosses Tad Brook via a bridge. A boardwalk guides visitors through wetlands teeming with over 50 plant species, such as meadowsweet and bird’s-foot-trefoil, and is a haven for dragonflies. The route also passes through Broompit Plantation, featuring another bird hide and remnants of historical marl pits.

Yellow Route
The longest of the three, this 2.75-mile (4.4 km) trail extends from the Blue Route, cutting through wildflower meadows and Stansley Wood, renowned for its springtime bluebell displays. The path offers scenic views of the reservoir, leading to Beech Tree Point, where visitors can find a bird hide and toilet facilities. The return journey loops back through Stansley Wood and the wildflower meadow.

Wildlife Highlights
Blithfield Reservoir is a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife. Birdwatchers may observe species such as ospreys during migration seasons, goosanders, wigeons, and various overwintering fowl. The surrounding woodlands and wetlands support a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, making it a prime location for nature study and photography.

Look out for: Goldeneye ducks, migrating geese, and herons.
Refuel at: Cobwebs Coffee Shop, at High Ash Country Stores.

Location: Near Abbots Bromley
Length: Up to 5 miles of marked paths
Difficulty: Moderate – Woodland walks
More info: Visit Blithfield Walks

The Washlands, Burton upon Trent

The Washlands

Nestled along the floodplain of the River Trent in Burton upon Trent, the Trent Washlands offer a tranquil escape into nature, blending rich biodiversity with recreational spaces. This expansive area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, walkers, and families alike.

The Washlands are teeming with diverse habitats that support a variety of species. Birdwatchers can delight in sightings of herons, snipe, curlew, and little egrets. The grasslands, managed as traditional hay meadows, burst into color in spring with marsh marigolds, cowslips, cuckoo flowers, knapweed, great burnet, and oxeye daisies, attracting numerous pollinators like bees and butterflies. Visitors can explore several walking routes, including the Washlands Circular, a 3.7 km trail that meanders through woodlands and along the riverbank. The paths are generally flat and accessible, suitable for all ages and abilities. Along the way, you’ll encounter a sculpture trail featuring artworks like a Viking longboat and a heron seat, adding cultural interest to your walk.

Look out for: Kingfishers, swans, and wildflowers.
Refuel at: Annie Maison, a chic café nearby offering brunch, cake, and coffee.