The sites include Cecily Brook in Cheadle, Wetley Moor in Werrington, Ladderedge Country Park in Leek, and Biddulph Grange Country Park in Biddulph.

The addition of the sites will increase the amount of land the Trust manages for wildlife to just over 4,900 acres (1,988 hectares) and a total of 43 natures reserves.

The Trust wants to ensure more than 30 per cent of land in Staffordshire is managed with nature in mind by 2030.

Jeff Sim, Head of Nature Reserves and Species Recovery, said: “We are very excited about taking on the management of these sites. Many already have established volunteer Friends-of Groups and are already great places for wildlife and for people. We look forward to working with those who know the sites best to see what we can do to make them even better places to encounter wildlife.

“The sites are well known and loved by locals, with many being close to towns. They allow residents access to some fantastic wild spaces. Over the coming months we’re keen to speak to people who regularly use them, so we can get to know the sites better and draw up long-term management plans, which we will be consulting closely on. If you see us at any of these sites please do come and have a chat with us.

“While these sites are already good for wildlife, we can make them even better to give wildlife the very best chance. We need to do all we can to halt the decline of so many species and keep the Staffordshire Moorlands wild.”

Councillor Mark Deaville, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Sport at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: “Our county parks and green spaces are special places that are valued by our residents for the key role they play in our wellbeing and in protecting our environment.

“We at the Council want to ensure these valuable sites continue to be looked after and developed for the benefit of both visitors who come to enjoy the outdoors and the plants and wildlife that we share these places with.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust who are best placed to achieve these aims and our shared objective of ensuring these natural places remain at the heart of what makes the Moorlands such a special place.”

Staffordshire Moorland’s ranger Mark Preece, who has been involved in looking after them for over 20 years, will join the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and continue to oversee their management as the Trust’s Senior Land Management Officer.

Mark said: “I’m really excited about this transition, and all the opportunities it brings. I’ve always loved wildlife and living locally I’m really passionate about looking after our wildlife.

“We’re so lucky to have such varied habitats across the sites, with many of them having great well-established volunteer groups who are an essential part of the team. Their commitment to co-ordinating activities and working to benefit the wildlife is so invaluable and is something I’m keen to build upon.”

The Trust recently unveiled a new interpretation board at Ladderedge Country Park near Leek, marking the change in management.  

Over the next year the Trust will run a series engagement events at the sites to gather feedback and information from those who use them. These events will allow visitors to be involved in their future management. Details these events will be advertised on the Trust’s events page and across social media.