REED buntings and marsh marigolds are among dozens of species of plants and animals now flourishing in a new protected home on the banks of the River Weaver Navigation.

The Canal and River Trust, which cares for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers, has created Hartford Wetlands Nature Reserve on the Davenham side of the river.

Trust staff and volunteers from Marshalls Arm, Vale Royal and Crewe Conservation groups have all worked together to construct a public boardwalk, install interpretation and carry out vegetation management at the reserve, which covers an area of several football pitches.

Jason Watts, volunteer coordinator with the Canal & River Trust, said: “Hartford Wetlands is a perfect example of what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.

“Trust staff have enjoyed working with three different volunteer groups who have brought complementary skills to the project.

“This area in the Weaver Valley used to be grazed by cattle but had become increasingly submerged in water.

“Converting the scrubland into a managed wetlands reserve is great for promoting biodiversity on the river and also offers the public a chance to explore the wetlands on the new boardwalk, created out of recycled plastic.

“We are grateful to all the volunteers who have given so generously of their time and effort to create the new wetlands habitat.

“We’re delighted the Marshall’s Arm group has decided to formally adopt the reserve and will provide ongoing support. Everyone has done a great job.”

The reserve was funded by the Trust and Saltscape Landscape Partnership through the National Lottery’s Heritage Lottery Fund, the project will give the public a chance to get up close to frogs, newts, damselflies and other aquatic wildlife who have started to make their home in the new wetland reserve.

For more details about the River Weaver Navigation, canal adoptions or how to volunteer with the Canal & River Trust, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk or call 0303 040 4040.