Transformation of natural habitats in South-East Sheffield now in full swing

Natural habitats in the South-East of Sheffield, around the Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve, are being transformed to help important wildlife and species to thrive, thanks to funding. 

Earlier this year, The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and The National Lottery Heritage Fund announced grants of up to £3 million pounds would be awarded for habitat creation and restoration projects across England, to run over the next two years.

Sheffield City Council was successful in securing a grant of more than £1 million, which is now being used to improve natural ecosystems in Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve and neighbouring sites, covering over 400 acres.

Habitat improvements are taking place in Shire Brook Valley, Beighton Marsh, Woodhouse Washlands, Wickfield Heath and Plantation, Richmond Park, Silkstone Ravine.  

The Council are leading the project in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, Woodhouse and District Community Forum and the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre. 

The Species Survival Fund

The Species Survival Fund has been launched to help halt and reverse the decline in species abundance by preserving vital habitats through a select number of projects around the country. 

Projects aim to improve green and blue spaces – such as woodland, meadows, heathland, ponds, rivers and streams – helping to tackle nature and climate emergencies.

In South Yorkshire, mammals like harvest mice, bats and hedgehogs; reptiles, amphibians and birds including barn owls, skylarks, swifts and kingfishers, will benefit from enhancement to their habitats, thanks to the funding.

As part of the project, named #Species Stacking the Shire Brook Valley, work will be carried out on a former mill pond to improve the habitat for birds, bats and aquatic species.

The installation of 35 leaky dams will provide water storage, slowing water flow during times of flood. These water storage features will also provide a valuable resource during times of drought for local wildlife and will help to create more wet woodland and willow carr, which is a significantly important habitat.

The creation and management of areas of meadow, through grazing, will benefit species of flora such as orchids, fungi including waxcaps, and invertebrates like dragonflies.

Work has already kicked off in the area to begin enhancing natural habitats. Ecological surveys are also being carried out to assess the different species already living in the area. 

*This project is funded by the Government's Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.