Supplied by the River Churnet and Meer Brook, Tittesworth Water has a number of key habitats such as ancient woodlands, wetlands and wildflower rich meadows at the site, with efforts to restore and enhance them helping to tackle nature’s decline and climate change impacts alike. Covering an area equivalent to over 200 football pitches (145 hectares), the accreditation recognises Severn Trent’s nature‑positive management across land surrounding the reservoir, benefitting nature both now and into the future.  

For example, a key area of focus for the site has been improving the wet woodland habitat for the breeding population of willow tits, the UK’s fastest declining resident bird. Here, the Tittesworth team have been using forestry management techniques to change the age structure and canopy height of the wood, increasing nesting opportunities through dead wood creation, and installing specially designed nest boxes.  

The teams have also been regularly surveying the wildlife and habitats found on the site, identifying opportunities to make areas such as the grasslands, woodlands and wetlands more diverse and resilient to climate change and extreme weather impacts. Annual surveys of waxcap grasslands are also underway, helping to monitor and record the fungi present in this important habitat to inform management practices. 

Richard Whiting, visitor site manager at Tittesworth, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have achieved The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark at Tittesworth. It’s a fantastic milestone and a real reflection of the dedication and collaboration across our teams. 

“This is not something delivered by one team or one project, it’s the result of people across the business coming together with a shared commitment to improving outcomes for nature. Achieving this standard shows that we’re not only protecting biodiversity on our land but actively enhancing it for the future. 

“It also demonstrates how we’re delivering on our environmental commitments, creating and improving habitats so wildlife can thrive. We’re excited to build on this success and look at how we can bring the same approach to more of our sites in the future.” 

Severn Trent is also developing Biodiversity Action Plans across its estate alongside the Biodiversity Benchmark. Work is beginning at Tittesworth, with plans to extend the approach to a total of five sites by 2030. 

Julian Woolford, chief executive of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, says: 
"At a crucial time for nature across the UK, it’s great to see another business stepping up and delivering for nature on their land through the Biodiversity Benchmark. We're particularly pleased that a key focus at Tittesworth has been enhancing wet woodland habitat for a population of breeding willow tits, helping to create more opportunities for this nationally rare species to thrive.   

“With Tittesworth Water supplying thousands across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Leek with water daily, it’s vital that the provision of this precious resource enhances our natural environment. We look forward to continuing to work with Severn Trent to achieve this ambition for people, nature and climate alike.”  

Recognised as one of Staffordshire's most popular tourist destinations, hundreds of thousands of walkers and families visit the site every year, making use of the water sports facilities, walking trails and bird watching hides. Through their nature-positive efforts on site, Severn Trent hope to inspire the next generation of nature-lovers and conservationists, proving that no matter the space you have, everyone can do something positive for nature.  

Tittesworth Water becomes one of 52 Biodiversity Benchmark accredited sites, together totalling almost 7,700 hectares across the UK. The certification confirms continual biodiversity enhancement and protection on the sites while also supporting wider sustainability and climate commitments.  

Find out more about The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark accreditation.