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Sheffield & Rotherham

Kingfisher

Issue 77 Winter 2011 Protecting Wildlife for the Future

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This issue, I’m handing over the editor’s comment to our CEO, Nigel Doar, who will be leaving us at the end of October after ten years at the helm. I’m sure I speak for all our members, staff, trustees, and partners when I thank Nigel for his outstanding work and leadership, and wish him the very best in his new endeavours.

Laura Boyles, Editor

Chief executive’s commentSo, it’s the end of another year; the leaves are falling and the nights are drawing in. With some sadness, this will be my last contribution to Kingfisher magazine, as after 13 years, I am moving on.

Happily, I can look back on a great summer. Our membership has continued to grow: at a faster rate last year than any other Wildlife Trust in the country bar one, and it is now nearing the 5,500 mark – a far cry from the fewer than 100 members we had when I first arrived here. Clearly the people of Sheffield value their local natural world and the things that SWT does to protect and enhance it. I hope this trend will continue long into the future, as the natural environment in and around Sheffield both deserves and needs all the support it can get.

This summer, we have again worked with thousands of people to provide enjoyment, increase educational attainment, improve health and enhance wellbeing. Working with Sheffield Homes, Sheffield City Council and the University of Sheffield, we have started a major project to bring nature and natural play into a number of greenspaces within social housing areas – working with local people to design, improve and maintain them and to change the way they are valued and used.

We have also continued to look after some of Sheffield’s finest areas of natural land, as nature reserves – doing our bit to create Living Landscapes running across South Yorkshire, from the Pennine Moors to the North Sea. When I arrived, SWT had an informal role in the management of a handful of small sites. Now, we look after more than 1,000 acres of land that sit at the heart of our Living Landscape vision. We have just extended our nature reserve at Fox Hagg, working towards linking it through to Wyming Brook, which became our first reserve to be independently recognised for the quality of its management as a destination for people, when it was awarded a nationally recognised Green Flag.

We have also started to lay the foundations for the future. We have worked with partners to start the formation of a Local Nature Partnership to champion the restoration of nature across South Yorkshire. We have proposed an area of more than 21km2, covering a large part of the upper Don catchment and running right through the middle of Sheffield and Rotherham, as one of the government’s recently proposed Nature Improvement Areas. Not to mention working steadily towards achieving our goal of buying Greno Woods and making it one of the best places in Yorkshire to experience nature. We have already secured more than £5300,000 towards our target, and only need another £130,000 to complete the purchase of the biggest part of the wood.

I won’t be here to see the completion of all these great things, but I look forward to celebrating in the future as the Trust’s fantastic staff, volunteers, trustees, members and friends pull together to make our local patch as good as it can be for both people and wildlife. They [you] will no doubt achieve things I haven’t even dreamt of. I will always be thankful for my time here in Sheffield and for the support and energy that has made SWT the distinctive force for nature that it is. Thank you, good luck, and au-revoir!

Nigel Doar, CEO

The Wildlife Trust for Sheffield and RotherhamVictoria Hall, 37 Stafford Road, Sheffield S2 2SFTel: 0114 2634335 Fax: 2634345mail@wildsheffield.comwww.wildsheffield.com

VolunteersWorking to make Sheffield a better place for people and wildlife takes money, time and goodwill. We are totally dependent on our members, funders, partners, and volunteers. A big thank you to all our volunteers who have helped us out over the last few months:

Nicholas Baker, Steven Beekin, Nick Blood, Dawn Bond, Michael Bond, Stuart Bown, Stephen Bradley, Kelly Brindley, Roger Brooks, Chris Carter, Ann Clegg, Barry Clements, Harry Corbey, Louise Cordell, Nathan Coughlan, Lucy Davies, Chris Deakin, Liz Dingle, Simon Doxford, Timothy Draper, Sarah Duly, Anthony Dziendziel, Molly Gorman, Matthew Grant, Philippa Gullett, Ross Hanson, Charmian Cochrane Hay, Dave Higgins, Sarah Jaggard, Anika Jain, Craig Johnson, Jessica Judson, Rachel Mallichan, Daniel Marston, Pete Mella, Shaun Morgan, Kevin Overton, Meurig Palin, Valeria Pico, Emily Piff, Darren Raynes, Julie Riley, Sarah Sidgwick, Chris Smith, Matthew Smith, Dawn Sockett, Rachel Stevenson, Jimmie Stuart, Claire Taylor, Chris Tremblett, Donna Tubridy, Jonathan Turner, Chris Turk, Dee Wade, Martin Wadlow, Alison Somerset Ward, Be Wiggs, Brendon Wittram, …and thanks, most importantly, to all our members.

Trustees Patrick Vaughan – Chair, Anne Ashe – Vice Chair, Roderick Lees – Treasurer, Ann Clegg, Colette Harvey, Greg Whitmore, Margaret Spencer, Mike Allen, Penny Simpson, Pete Quinn, Philip Warren, Richard Pethen, Tony Whiting (newly appointed)

Corporate membersAirmaster Air Conditioning LtdBluetree Design and PrintEarthmineEco-Power Solutions LtdE.onHanson Contracts LtdIrwin Mitchell SolicitorsLow Ash Riding SchoolModern CreativesNew Habits TrainingNorthend Creative Print SolutionsPJ tastePrinting.comRotherham and Barnsley Chamber of CommerceSheffield Chamber of Commerce and IndustrySheffield Forgemasters International LtdVinci Construction UK

Front cover photo. View from Longshaw to Sir Wiliam Hill © Mike ArundaleSheffield Wildlife Trust is registered as charity no. 700 638; company no. 2287 928. Kingfisher is edited by Laura Boyles, designed by Tim Mackey and printed by J W Northend Ltd on 100 per cent recycled paper.

NEWS

ARTICLES

gET INVoLVEd

Burngreave’s hidden gems 4Members all a-flutter 5Activities for young people 5 Living with Nature project 5Green Flag Award 6New corporate members 7AGM 2011 update 7Biffa supports Carbrook Ravine 8Thank you for Dorothy 8Gift ideas 9

Wildlife on your doorstep 10Get involved in 2012 11

Living Don through Viridor Credits 12Government plans for the environment 13Greno Woods update 14-15

Porter Valley by Roger Redfern back page

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NEWS

Burngreave’s hidden gems

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Bats and newts The Trust has been running a series of events and guided walks over the spring and summer as part of the Burngreave’s Hidden Gems project, taking in various green spaces around the area including Crabtree Ponds nature reserve, Osgathorpe Park and Little Roe Woods - just a few of Burngreaves hidden gems. Events included discovering the mysterious creatures of the night on a guided bat walk and listening to the natural music of spring on a bird walk. Family fun included pond dipping for smooth and palmate newts, and working with the Jeevan Project creating bird boxes. Young people from Ellesmere Youth Project worked with local artist Jason Thompson to design a new woodland bench for Crabtree Ponds nature reserve, inspired by the wildlife of the ponds; it is currently being carved and will soon be on site, so keep your eyes peeled next time you visit.

Positive activities for young people in Sheffield This year Sheffield Wildlife Trust has teamed up with the Sheffield City Council Ranger Service to provide free positive activities for young people aged 8 to 13. The Wildlife Trust and the Ranger Service both have lots of experience delivering outdoor play for children and young people so it made sense to team up.

Together we are running sessions in a wide variety of parks and woodlands. We are doing all kinds of activities such as bug hunts, den building, pond dipping and arts and crafts; there is something for everyone to enjoy. Check events, page 10 for more information on places and timesIf you would like more information about the sessions please contact us on 0114 263 4335mail@wildsheffield.comOr check the Get Hooked on Life website

Members all a-flutterThis summer and autumn we have run two special events exclusively for members. The first of these was on 23 July at Greno Woods with a distinctly lepidopteran theme. To tie-in with butterfly conservation’s ‘big butterfly count’ we invited members to join us at our newest nature reserve to find and record butterflies. Fortunately, it was a warm sunny day and the 20+ members in attendance were lucky enough to see red admiral, peacock, meadow brown, speckled wood, green veined white and small white butterflies amongst others. In addition, two lucky members, won free family tickets to the butterfly house at Anston. After a very pleasant walk round Greno Woods we returned to our marquee for some beautiful butterfly cakes made by member Pat Wheway, and there was a chance for the children to make a caterpillar to take home as a souvenir. Everyone who attended also received a free identification wallchart of British butterflies for use on future visits. As the first event of this type, it was a huge success and we would like to thank all the members who came and made it such an enjoyable day.

Our next members’ event was on 16 October and involved finding edible foods from the wilds of our Blacka Moor reserve with our expert, David Buckle, aka ‘Mushroom Dave.’

Take action: Let us know what kind of members’ events you’d like to take part in. Call 0114 263 4335 or email mail@wildsheffield.com

By Simon Fagg

Living with Nature is a three year programme, funded by the Big Lottery, focussing on improvements to sites on Sheffield Homes land that are all currently identified as play areas (although many have had old equipment removed in recent years).The Trust is hosting two full time posts (one as a job share) as part of a partnership with the City Council, the University of Sheffield, and Sheffield Homes. The aims of the programme are to improve the play value of the sites and to increase their biodiversity and value to wildlife.

Community engagement with local tenants and residents as well as existing community groups will

create a sense of local ownership, increase social cohesion, and encourage people to be more involved in their community green space.

Design will be more about creating multi-functional green spaces rather than “play areas” in the traditional sense. These spaces will include a mixture of traditional equipment, elements of natural play, and features which encourage positive use of the site by a range of people and groups.

The programme also aims to introduce changes to the current maintenance regimes, to encourage better environmental practices and to improve biodiversity. It is hoped that by interacting with more

‘natural’ surroundings, people’s awareness of the importance of nature to their physical and emotional well-being will be increased.

In all, 24 sites will be re-designed and have management plans produced over the three year period. Eight of these will be completed on site during that time, partially funded by the Big Lottery Grant. Other funding for capital works will be sought by the team and local community groups over the course of the project, up until July 2014. The eight sites to be completed are:Tannery Close, Burnaby Crescent, Grammar Street, Fox Road, Jericho Street, Edward Street, Randall Place, and Dyke Vale Road.

Introducing the Living with Nature project…

Bronze member Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry is one of the top ten Chambers in the UK and the leading business support and representation organisation in Yorkshire and Humberside. They provide advice for business start-ups through their enterprise agency, SENTA, and strategic guidance for businesses trading internationally through the SYITC.

Bronze member VINCI Construction UK is a national

construction and facilities company, part of VINCI, world leader in concessions and construction.

Keith Shivers, Regional Director at VINCI said, ‘VINCI Construction UK Limited is delighted to show our support for the Wildlife Trust for Sheffield and Rotherham through our corporate membership.

The local environment is very high on our sustainability agenda and we are committed to supporting the local communities in which we live and work.

The Stocksbridge High School Project Team in particular is one of

the first VINCI construction sites in the South Yorkshire region to get involved with the Wildlife Trust and are looking forward to showing their continued support and dedication to the local community through various projects.’

Take action: To find out more about the benefits of becoming a corporate member of the Wildlife Trust for Sheffield and Rotherham, ring Cathy Slater on 0114 2634335 or email c.slater@wildsheffield,com

New corporate members

Keith Shivers, Vinci Construction UK, corporate member

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AgM 2011 updateThe AGM evening this year was a great success. Tim Sparks’ talk on phenology was fascinating and prompted many questions from the audience, nearly making us all late for the buffet, provided by PJ Taste – a veritable feast of locally sourced food, as always. At the AGM afterwards, the Board of Trustees reached its maximum size of 13 members for the first time.

The trustees are Patrick Vaughan – Chair, Anne Ashe – Vice Chair, Roderick Lees – Treasurer, Ann Clegg, Colette Harvey, Greg Whitmore, Margaret Spencer, Mike Allen, Penny Simpson, Pete Quinn, Philip Warren, Richard Pethen, Tony Whiting (newly appointed)

The officers of the Board will be elected at the November meeting.Nigel Dunnett stood down from the Board after 11years as a Board

member, as he is busy with other projects, one being the Landscaping of the London 2012 Olympic sites. At the AGM Patrick Vaughan expressed the Board’s appreciation and gratitude to Nigel Dunnett for his work and commitment to the Trust, seeing it through changing times.

Take action: got an idea of who you’d like to see give a talk next year, or a subject you’d like to hear about? Let us know

Wyming Brook is one of the best green spaces in the country – and that’s official!

This year Wyming Brook received the Green Flag Award, a sign to visitors that the reserve is well-maintained and well-managed, with excellent facilities.

Wyming Brook is one of a record number of parks and green spaces receiving the Green Flag Award this year, ensuring that even more of us now have access to well-managed, high-quality green spaces.

Phil Barton, Green Flag Plus Partnership chairman said: ‘I would like to congratulate this year’s winners, who have worked hard throughout the year to keep their parks and green spaces at a high standard and ensure they are pleasant and enjoyable spaces for the whole community.

‘In these challenging financial times it is heartening that the number of Green Flag

Awards continue to grow. As the value of green space and the role it plays in our communities strengthens, we must ensure these high standards remain.’

All award-winning sites now have the chance to receive a further award from the Green Flag Plus Partnership, the People’s Choice Award. This award is voted for by the public, so if you want to see Wyming Brook receive a national accolade as the people’s choice, then visit the Green Flag Award website now to register your vote: www.keepbritaintidy.org/GreenFlag.

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, corporate member

Tim Sparks signing petition fish

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© Rob Barker

Wyming Brook receives prestigious

Green Flag Award

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Biffaward is funding improvements to Carbrook Ravine, and huge steps have been taken to improve the site for locals and wildlife. Carbrook Ravine has suffered over the years from vandalism and fly-tipping, which has given the site a negative feel. However, with BIFFAward’s grant for the last three years, the nature reserve looks considerably better.

The meadows have been cut regularly (the former site of Stradbrook College), which has prevented the flower-rich grassland from becoming scrubbed over. The boost from Biffaward has also enabled the Trust to manage the flower-rich yellow-rattle meadow, and to focus work on improving conditions for nesting skylarks.

The most significant work has involved the re-digging of a stream-fed pond which was drying up. This involved two days of dredging.

Work for the next few months will

Thank you, John Lewis, for lending us DorothyOur resources are always stretched, so the addition of an extra member of staff funded by John Lewis for the past six months has been particularly welcome.

Dorothy Clarkson, who usually works as a section manager at John Lewis in Sheffield, has been on secondment to the Trust, made possible by the John Lewis Golden Jubilee Trust. Bringing professional expertise, fresh ideas and buckets of enthusiasm, Dorothy has been working to promote corporate membership and develop new ways of raising funds. In particular Dorothy has been able to use her retail expertise to secure sale of Wildlife Trust books, cards and calendars at the Little Nature shop at the Botanical Gardens and the shop at Weston Park Museum and has also forged new links with the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce who have recently hosted ‘Netwalking’ events on the Trust’s nature reserves.

In contrast to her usual job Dorothy has also been able to use her knowledge as a keen amateur naturalist to assist with bird and bat surveys, showing considerable dedication when this involved being on site at 3am!

‘I wanted to get involved in different aspects of the Trust’s work so put myself forward to take part in survey work with Wildscapes. I’ve always been a keen bird watcher but also wanted to learn more about bats, trees, and plants. Little did I realize that I would be prizing myself out of bed in the middle of the night or at the crack of dawn to participate, but it was always worth it.’

We have a range of merchandise that will suit all your family and friends this Christmas while supporting your local Wildlife Trust.

To buy in person, and for a wider range of goodies, drop in to our offices at 37 Stafford Road, S2 2SF or visit the Little Nature Shop at the Botanical Gardens, or the Museum Shop at

Weston Park Museum.To order the items shown here by post, drop

us a line stating which items you would like along with a cheque or made payable to Sheffield Wildlife Trust to: Merchandise Offer, The Wildlife Trust for Sheffield and Rotherham, 37 Stafford Road, Sheffield, S2 2SF. Please add £2.95 per item for postage and packing.

Wildlife Gardening £12.99Birds in your Garden £9.99

Wildlife Walks £14.99Calendars 2012 £7.99Christmas cards £4.99

Wildsheffield.com gets a makeoverWork is currently underway on a new website for the Trust, one that will be easier to use, simple to navigate, and a breeze to keep updated. We hope the new site will go live in early December, and you don’t need to worry about learning a new address, you’ll still find us at www.wildsheffield.com. For a sneaky peek at what it will look like and how it will work, visit www.wildlifetrusts.org, as our new site is based on the same template. In the meantime, we are keeping the existing site as up to date as is feasible, but don’t forget to check our Facebook page, the Wildlife Trust for Sheffield and Rotherham, for more frequent news and information.

Urban reserves visitor surveys

The visitor surveys conducted last winter on our urban nature reserves – Sunnybank, Salmon Pastures, Carbrook Ravine and Crabtree Ponds – are now complete and can be found on the website. We received some excellent feedback and suggestions for improvements on all reserves, so thanks to all those who took the time to fill out the survey. The findings from these have been considered in the next five-year management plans and work programmes, which can also be viewed on the website. A further series of surveys at Wyming Brook, Fox Hagg, Centenary Riverside, Carr House Meadows and Moss Valley Woodlands have also been undertaken, and reports will be made available on the website shortly.

BIFFA supports Carbrook Ravine

be improving the main entrance by painting a metal artistic gate which was designed by local teenagers. The Land Team will also be strimming regularly and a huge litter pick will take place in the winter months.

The perfect

gift Original and meaningful presents for friends and family can be hard to find, so here is an inspirational gift idea for you: why not give a whole year’s membership of the Wildlife Trust for Sheffield and Rotherham?

Help us place nature at the heart of people’s everyday lives. If you give Wildlife Trust for Sheffield and Rotherham membership as a gift, the recipient will receive

a subscription to our local •wildlife magazine, Kingfisher, issued three times a yeara subscription to the national •magazine, Natural World, also issued three times a yearfree access to wildlife events •and activities, including local Wildlife Watch clubs for childrena 240 page full colour guide to •gardening for wildlife (RRP £12.99)the opportunity to support •national campaigns and make their views countan attractive gift certificate, •bearing your greetings and personal message

gift membership costsIndividual memberhip £28

Joint membership (two people at the same address.) £34

Family membership (two adults and up to four children at the same address.) £34

Wild gift ideas this

Christmas

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Conservation work days Regular volunteer days take place on several of our nature reserves, both during the week and on weekends. Tasks vary from footpath improvements and access work, to habitat and vegetation management. All volunteer days start at 10am and finish at 3pm; come along for the whole day or join us for an hour or two. Tea, biscuits, gloves and tools are provided, but please bring lunch if you wish to stay for the day

Volunteer daysSecond Monday of the monthCentenary RiversideMeet at: Centenary Riverside nature park, Riverside Way, off the A6178 Rotherham, grid reference SK 422 922.

First Tuesday every month and third Sunday of NovemberWyming Brook/Fox HaggMeet at: Either Fox Hagg car park on Lodge Lane (SK 290 866), or Wyming Brook car park on Redmires Road (SK 269 858). The meeting point varies between volunteer days, so please contact Hannah Wittram before the event for confirmation of where to meet.

First Saturday and third Thursday of the month Blacka MoorMeet at: Stony Ridge car park, A625 Hathersage Road, grid reference SK 278 806.

Fourth Friday of the monthGreno WoodsMeet at: Forestry Commission car park on Woodhead Road, grid reference SK 325 950.

Saturday 12 November, 1am—2pmRiver conservation dayMake a splash and get stuck in, helping with a variety of practical tasks along the river. Tools and materials provided.Meet at: Niagra Wier, off Winn Gardens, HillsboroughDon Heritage For Young People event. Open to ages 13 - 15

Sunday 18 december, 10am – 12 noonWinter wreaths and a warming wanderWyming Brook nature reserveEscape the last-minute shopping frenzy and get into a more relaxed festive spirit with a jolly little wander along Wyming Brook Drive. On the way back we’ll be stopping off at the sculpted bench to put some more food out for the birds and try our hand at holly wreath making. Mince pies and hot festive drinks provided. This is a bookable event, so please contact Hannah Wittram to book your place by 15 December; there is also a suggested minimum donation of £2.Meet at: Redmires Road car park, grid reference SK 269 858.

Wildlife on your doorstep!Sheffield Wildlife Trust runs a whole host of events across Sheffield and Rotherham, aimed at helping everyone get the most out of their local environment. Please be aware you may need to book in advance for our most popular events, and there may be a suggested minimum donation which will help us cover the cost of running the event.

please wear suitable clothing and footwear, bearing •in mind that weather is unpredictable, especially on the larger nature reserves inside the Peak District.please make sure your children are accompanied by •an adult, as we are not able to take responsibility for them at events

many nature reserves have uneven or steep terrain, •and may not be suitable for wheelchair or pushchair users. Please check beforehand.most events can be reached by public transport and •are arranged around bus times. For public transport information call Travel Line on 01709 515151photographs may be taken by Trust staff at events •and used for publicity purposes. Please speak to a member of staff if you are not happy about having your photo taken.

Unless otherwise specified, please contact our reserves team on 0114 263 4335 for further information or to book a place.

gET INVoLVEd

Our income comes from membership fees, grants from charitable trusts, contracts and donations. But income in the voluntary sector, like everywhere else, is being squeezed in these days of austerity and we need to work harder to get it.

We need your help.Put simply, we can’t be in two places at once. There are lots of local events where we could raise more funds, but Trust staff simply can’t attend events to fundraise and be out in the field looking after our environment at the same time.

What we need is a task force to help us: enthusiastic, motivated people who are interested in the natural world and have a little free time or useful skills to donate.

How much free time?As much or as little as you can spare.

What sort of skills? You may be good at organising, or making cakes or handmade greetings cards, or you might just be good at talking to people.

What would I have to do?Attend events in your local area and talk to people about what we do

perhaps sell a little Wildlife Trust merchandise•take the details of anyone who would like to join so we •can contact them

What do I get out of it?We won’t be able to pay you for your time, but you will get to

do something tangible for a cause you believe in.•meet new people and make new friends.•make a contribution.•have fun!•

Interested?Just give us a call on 0114 2634335 or email c.grice@wildsheffield.comFundraising ideas: You may have ideas of your own; perhaps you would like to hold a coffee morning, stage a concert or host a themed pub quiz. Great! Just give me a call and we can discuss the best way to go about it.

Chris Grice, fundraising officer

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Would you like to be more involved in 2012?

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By Nicky Rivers, South Yorkshire biodiversity co-ordinator

In June this year, the government published its white paper on the natural environment, ‘The Natural Choice: Securing the Value of Nature’ which is a summary of the government’s priorities for the natural environment for the next 50 years.

Key messages within the white paper

A healthy, properly functioning 1. natural environment is the foundation of sustained economic growth, prospering communities and personal wellbeing.We must value the economic and 2. social benefits of nature. Environmental action is not a 3. barrier to growth, and achieving economic development and a healthy natural environment are not incompatible objectives. Recognition of the need for 4. restoration and recovery of the natural environment. Government commitment to move from net biodiversity loss to net gain. Aim to do this by protecting 5. priority habitats, supporting healthy, well-functioning ecosystems and establishing more coherent, resilient ecological networks. Action needs to be taken across 6. sectors, not in isolation - requiring the value of nature to be put at the heart of decision-making by government, communities and businesses, both locally and nationally. The desire for a greater 7. connection between people and nature.

The paper includes a call for the establishment of local nature partnerships capable of influencing high level decision makers. SWT are working with partners to establih such a partnership in South Yorkshire.

The paper also launched a competition to fund a number of pilot nature improvement areas which would aim to establish ‘more, bigger, better, joined’ areas for nature. SWT are working with others in the ‘Living Don Partnership’ to enter the competition, although it is expected to be extremely competitive, with only 12 projects to be funded nationally.

A summary of the paper can be downloaded from the policy page of SWT’s website and the white paper can be found on Defra’s website.

England’s new Biodiversity Strategy has also been published by Defra, following on from the white paper. It is a strategy for the next 10 years and has the following mission: to halt overall biodiversity loss, support healthy well functioning ecosystems and establish coherent ecological networks, with more and better places for nature for the benefit of wildlife and people.

The strategy contains a number of actions for the government to carry out with partners in order to achieve this – covering a number of areas from the establishment of ecological networks, to improving environmental outcomes from farming to establishing a new ‘green areas designation’ for local people. SWT will continue to be involved in many areas of work outlined in the strategy, including landscape-scale project development, influencing planning and development, and engaging people.

A summary of the key points can be downloaded from the SWT website on the policy page and the full strategy can be downloaded from Natural England’s website.

Take action: Keep informed about the latest policies and legislation and what you can do to positively influence them for the benefit of people and wildlife. Visit www.wildlifetrusts.org and read about action for wildlife across the UK.

ARTICLES

The following projects, all funded by Viridor Credits, have now been successfully completed. The projects have contributed to the strengthening of the Living Don ecological network. The Rivelin Valley and South Sheffield Greenway are key parts of this network, which will allow wildlife to migrate in the face of a changing climate as well as forming the basis of a green transport network, providing educational and training opportunities and a host of other ecosystem services.

Restoring the Rivelin - £19,016.00• : The removal of scrub and bracken has improved conditions for bilberry and heather and provided areas for colonisation by plants such as acid grasses and mosses. Selective felling of non-native tree species has created gaps in the canopy, allowing more sunlight to the woodland floor, encouraging the growth of saplings, shrub layer, and ground flora. These glades should attract a greater number and variety of invertebrates, which will in turn provide food for foraging birds and mammals. Brilliant Bridleway at Fox Hagg• - £5000.00: A 150m section of existing bridleway has been surfaced with recycled crushed brick to improve access. Previously this section of bridleway was very steep and

narrow, with unsuitable steps, a drop on one side, and a tendency to become very wet and muddy - conditions which made the route difficult to use. This project complements work that Sheffield City Council has undertaken over the last two years to provide a round route around the Rivelin Valley for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers. Living Limb - £21230.00:• Thinning and group felling have produced structurally diverse woodland with considerable benefits for wildlife. The thinning and felling favour the returning native species of oak and ash. Both dry and wet heath were also conserved by clearing encroaching birch, willow, hawthorn and gorse scrub. Heather Forever at Blacka Moor - £19,900.00• : The heather forever project has restored heather moorland (UKBAP and local BAP habitat) on Blacka Moor through scrub clearance, bracken control and heather cutting; improved woodland through thinning and glade creation; protected valuable wet woodland and heath mire through access improvements; and engaged volunteers in site-based activities to gain conservation knowledge, skills and experience.

Strengthening the Living Don through Viridor Credits

What are the government’s plans for the natural environment?

Greno Woods update We are delighted to report that (at the time of printing) we have raised over

£530,000 towards the purchase and management of Greno Woods. Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to our appeal – your generosity has been amazing.

We hope to be in a position to buy the largest part of the woods (which was bought on a temporary basis by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation) by March next year. To meet this deadline we urgently need to secure a further £130,000. If you haven’t yet contributed to the appeal, or if you could afford to give a little more, then please do help. Every £10 donated will allow us to secure 10m² of this beautiful ancient woodland – a fantastic sustainable alternative to buying a christmas tree or great presents for friends and family.

Our future plans include planting and encouraging growth of native tree species over non native ones and creating natural glades to improve the woodland structure in order to support a greater diversity of wildlife. We are looking for YOUR input and feedback on our management proposals. To view the plans in more detail please visit the Greno Woods website www.grenowoods.com where information can also be found on this winter’s programme of felling. Comments and queries should be directed to Roy Mosley – 0114 263 4335 r.mosley@wildsheffield.com by 30 November.

Local schools have recently been enjoying environmental activities in the woods – den building, bug hunting and having a biodiversity ball! Feedback from children and teachers has been really positive and we hope to submit a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to secure funding for further activities to give children and adults alike the chance to learn more about the wildlife and rich history of the woods.

To make a donation to the appeal go to www.grenowoods.com or please send us a cheque payable to the Greno Woods appeal. Don’t forget to let us know if you would like a certificate to give as a gift.

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give the gift of grenoA great idea for a seasonal gift that will help save vital wildlife habitats is our £10 for £10m2 of Greno Woods (or £20 for 20m2, and so on). As well as being a part of saving this fabulous ancient woodland, the recipient will receive a certificate (if requested) and you can leave a message for them on our Greno Woods website.

For more information visit www.grenowoods.com or ring 0114 263 4335.

Run for grenoThe date for the 2012 Sheffield half marathon has now been announced as Sunday 27 May. Once again, the Trust is proud to have been chosen as a benefiting charity. This year all proceeds we make from the marathon will go towards Greno Woods.

As well as runners for the half marathon, we need people keen to do the fun run and the team/business challenge. If you raise over £50 we will re-imburse your entry fee.

For more information and to sign up now – be quick, there are limited number of places available – visit the marathon website at www.sheffieldmarathon.com. To speak to us about taking part on our behalf, ring 014 263 4335 or email c.grice@wildsheffield.com.

Take action: Run for greno in the 2012 half marathon. If the full marathon is too daunting, get some friends together for the fun run or the mascot’s race. Plus we always need volunteers on the day.

gruelling ride nets cash for greno

Mark Moseley has raised thousands of pounds for Sheffield charities after taking part in a gruelling cycle ride across Britain.

Mark cycled 960 miles in nine days from John O’Groats to Lands End raising almost £4,000.

The money will now be split between Sheffield’s Bluebell Hospice and the local Wildlife Trust.

Mark, who lives in Sheffield, said the motivation to raise funds for the worthwhile charities was at the forefront of the challenge, but also explained that another incentive influenced the trek across the country.

‘I’m a very keen cyclist and completing the route is something I’ve always wanted to do. I also recently celebrated my 40th birthday and I thought it was about time I fulfilled my lifelong ambition, it’s also a great way to remember my 40th milestone and raising money to ‘Save Greno Woods’ which my whole family use daily and have done so for many years!’ Take action: do you have a great idea for raising money for the Trust? Contact us so we can offer you help and support. Chris grice, our fundraising officer would love to hear from you.

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greno Woods £1 million appeal prize draw Help us protect this beautiful ancient woodland. All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to this appeal

Family Adventure PrizeFamily Tickets to the DeepFamily Tickets to the Tropical Butterfly House and Falconry CentreFamily Tickets to the Metrodome Leisure Complex for Family Swim

Environment Package PrizePair of BinocularsBird Feeder and SeedWildlife Trust Book CollectionWildlife Calendar

Healthy option PrizeSeven-day pass for four people to Esporta Health ClubSpa days at Spa 1887 for two peopleMeadowhall gift voucher

Plus many more! Visit our website for full list of prizeswww.wildsheffield.comTo be drawn 21 December 2011 – please check the website for draw details

Tickets £1 each No Ticket – No Prize Registered with Sheffield City CouncilRegistered Charity No 700638 Contact Chris Grice on 0114 263 4335

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Golden towers now gild the slopes above the Porter Valley as beech and horse chestnut turn to glory. This is a very appropriate time to be standing here below the site of long gone Whiteley Wood Hall, former home of my great uncle Arnold Muir Wilson. Sheffield lawyer, pioneer motorist, explorer and mountaineer, he died suddenly 100 years ago in Vancouver while on a world tour.

The big house thereafter had mixed fortunes and was eventually demolished in 1959, but its grand, tilting parkland and woods remain to enhance the loveliness of this part of what has come to be known as Sheffield’s “golden frame”. We pressed on up Porter Valley the other day, known here as the

Mayfield Valley, passing the homely wooden cabin of the Forge Dam Cafe on the site of the old forge. The many water-powered forges on the river Porter once provided the energy to drive the grinding wheels that put a sharp edge on the locally made scythes, sickles and knives.

The valley narrows above the dam that is still home to a thriving population of waterfowl. The slopes steepen and crowd in, clothed here again with mature trees, pointing the way westwards up what is Porter Clough, and coming eventually to Fulwood Head and the breezy moorland edge. A path crosses the northern flank of Rud Hill (named after its dead, ruddy grasses) to turn down to the upper end of the top

Redmires reservoir.The clear visibility allowed far

sightings towards the dark lift of Wharncliffe Chase and beyond. This trio of reservoirs were constructed in the 1830s, to supply Sheffield’s burgeoning population. Though they inundated a Roman route called the Long Causeway, they do provide a grand, watery foreground for this broad spread of heather moorland.

“Text © Roger Redfern, who has generously granted us permission to reproduce it here. Roger is an author and photojournalist who has published many local guides. This piece first appeared in Country Diary in The Guardian,13 October 2009”

In the final of his three guest articles for Kingfisher, Roger Redfern lingers in the Porter Valley a while before making his way to the high heather moorland of Wharncliffe Chase.

Roger Redfern on the Porter Valley

Issue 75 Winter 2011 Protecting Wildlife for the Future

© Rob Barker