I’ve been involved in the care and management of these varied sites for the past 23 years, and for the past four years I’ve been solely responsible for managing them. I know the sites intimately, all 570 plus acres. As well as knowing many of those who visit them daily, and the amazing volunteers who dedicate so much of their spare time to caring for these places.

Outside work as a resident of the Staffordshire Moorlands the sites are important for my own recreation. From the wide open spaces of Wetley Moor Common, which is quite the place to be on a windswept wintery day, to the peaceful and serene section of the Biddulph Valley Way, which brims with birdsong and activity in the spring. They’re great places to unwind and engage with nature.

I know the history of these places; the complications and challenges but also the great potential. The regular maintenance to-do-list alone is never ending, and this sits alongside the longer term management plans for the sites.

Transfer of management to Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (read more here) has been on the cards for around five years! At long last it has finally happened. It opens up so many opportunities for all of the sites. As conservation specialists The Trust is much better placed to enable me, and the reserves new Assistant Ranger Will, to make progress, to make these places even better for wildlife and people.

From a young age I have always worked in nature conservation, with former jobs with the Cumbria Wildlife Trust and RSPB.  After 20 plus years of being involved in caring for places in the Moorlands, I’m still very passionate about making places better for wildlife.

I love the variety of my role, working with volunteers, improving access and helping people get close to nature. Improving biodiversity is something I love too. I’m excited to be able to use some of the Trust’s land management equipment; more tools to help get the jobs done! I am excited about the possibility of combining the sites with other Trust landholdings to access grants. I’m looking forwards to working with Will, he will be invaluable in helping organise the maintenance work needed across the sites, as well as contributing to the longstanding plans to enhance the biodiversity of habitats where needed.

The sites have a variety of habitats and species under threat, many are priorities for local or national conservation action.   The site have great well-established ‘Friends of ‘volunteer groups who are an essential part of the management team. Their commitment to carrying out infrastructure maintenance, habitat management, monitoring and fundraising is invaluable and is something I’m keen to build on. So watch this space!

Over the next year the Trust will be hosting community feedback events at the sites, allowing visitors to be involved in their future management. Look out for details of these on the Trust’s website, social media and in our eNews email newsletter.