England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Staffordshire

Explore these places for wildlife in Staffordshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Doxey Marshes

Near Stafford

Habitat: Floodplain grazing marsh with shallow pools, muddy scrapes and riverside grassland.
Wildlife to look for: Lapwing, snipe, redshank, hobby (summer), goosander (autumn–winter).

02 / 05

Near Upper Hulme, near Leek

Habitat: Gritstone ridges, heather moorland, blanket bog and sheltered woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Red grouse, peregrine falcon, curlew (spring–summer), tree pipit (spring–summer), green hairstreak butterfly (spring–early summer).

03 / 05

Near Wombourne

Habitat: Sandy lowland heath with woodland, bare ground and small pools.
Wildlife to look for: Green tiger beetle (spring–summer), white admiral butterfly (summer), purple hairstreak butterfly (summer), glow-worm (summer nights), common lizard (warmer months).

04 / 05

Near Newport, Shropshire; the reserve lies just east of the town in Staffordshire.

Habitat: A large natural lake surrounded by reedbeds and wet pasture.
Wildlife to look for: Grey heron, goldeneye (winter), pochard (winter), barn owl, starling (winter murmurations).

05 / 05

Near Oakamoor

Habitat: A steep wooded valley with a stream, flower-rich pastures and small wetland areas.
Wildlife to look for: Dipper, wood warbler (spring–summer), green tiger beetle (spring–summer).