Restoring Staffordshire’s rivers could generate around £10 billion in economic benefits over 30 years, according to analysis supporting a new long-term strategy.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Rivers 2040 estimates that investing £43 million a year in river restoration could deliver more than £7 in benefits for every £1 spent, with potential gains linked to flood prevention, water security, farming and tourism.
Rivers 2040 is a long-term plan to transform the county’s rivers through large‑scale restoration.
It highlights the River Trent as one of the county’s most economically significant waterways, flowing through key industrial, agricultural and residential areas.
Julian Woolford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We’ve already seen the remarkable benefits river restoration can bring in Staffordshire. Rivers 2040 provides a blueprint to scale up that success, restoring rivers for wildlife, communities and future generations.
“Healthy rivers don’t just support nature; they help reduce flood risk, improve water quality, store water during dry periods, create homes for wildlife and connect people with nature close to home.
“They also help build more resilient communities and stronger local economies, making river restoration an investment in our shared future.”
The Trust argues that restoring natural river processes will help safeguard Staffordshire’s businesses from rising flood risk, improve water security during droughts and create new opportunities for recreation and green tourism.
The River Trent is the third longest river in the UK, running through Stoke-on-Trent, Stone, Rugeley and Burton upon Trent.
