UKEconet

South Yorkshire Wildlife Action Page

This page is for groups and individuals to raise issues and concerns about local and regional conservation issues; network and share ideas, skills and support for Wildlife Action across Sheffield and the South Yorkshire Region. You can also join in or start debates on our facebook page or post photographs on the flickr site on these or wider environmental issues.

Send an email about the issue concerning you most to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Issues:

January 2012

A Note From Paul Richards, Senior Curator of Natural History, Museums Sheffield, Weston Park, Weston Bank, Sheffield

Hi

 Apologies for sending this unsolicited email to such a wide audience.

You may or may not have heard about the recent loss of funding for Museums Sheffield.  The attached gives a little of the detail.  The message has often seemed to suggest that the arts council money was only to pay for art related activity.  However the grant was the primary operational fund for the whole service, so all aspects are affected.  Specifically for us, there will be around 45 redundancies.  We do not know how this will work, but it is likely to mean that only one post will remain in Natural History and likewise in other sections.  This means that next Wednesday I am likely to be served with notice of redundancy, and later given an opportunity to apply for the posts which remain in our restructure, hopefully one of which will include Natural History.

Since there have recently been lost museum posts in natural sciences at Derby, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield, it would be nice to hang on to at least one of the last two remaining curators in the region, if not both.   It is also of great concern that none of the Arts council funding was directed to the east midlands, so there is a swathe from Cambridge to Leeds and Birmingham to Norwich, where no museums service has received major support.  This must put a lot of significant natural history collections under threat.

I do not know what influence public outcry will have, but we would be grateful for any support that you feel you can offer.  The attached give some ideas of where to direct comments.

Thank you

Best wishes

 Paul

Museums Sheffield faces a 30% budget cut next year.
Click here for details of how to help us protest.

18 Sites across Sheffield earmarked for building.

Sheffield City Council has earmarked 18 potential sites across the city, for the proposed building of 1,100 new, mainly private, homes to help achieve government housing targets.

Click on the link: Proposed Housing Sites  for more information.

Please let us know your thoughts and opinions on these controversial proposals. 

 

The Destruction of Hedgerows and Vegetation in Meersbrook Park

A warning from Jan Turner of the Gleadless Valley Wildlife Trust

Hello everyone,

I felt I had too sit down and write this note in response to the appalling devastation carried out in Meersbrook park. I live opposite the park on Meersbrook Park road, the park is(was) a lovely diverse green space and well used by the local community. The Friends group have made lots of really good recreational improvements and the walled garden is a credit to all the hard work put in by local people.The vegetation on the site provides (provided) a healthy mix of ground flora and low shrubs, very important middle storey vegetation and mature trees.It is a park providing a good balance of environments for people and wildlife.

Myself and neighbours were horrified on Monday morning when a team of private contractors hired by our council arrived and, by mid morning, had 'grubbed' up the two parallel privet hedges lining the entrance to the park.During the following two days most of the middle height, well established vegetation surrounding the bowling green, was gone.

Although privet is probably not the most attractive and currently popular hedging plant it provides a wonderful roosting site and shelter for small birds,Wrens,Dunnocks and,in particular, Sparrows. Spiders and insects living in the dense hedging provide a rich food source when other sources are unavailable.

We had a very healthy colony of Sparrows using the hedging and now ...where will they go. The Sheffield Biodiversity Action Plan sets out to specifically protect Sparrows and their nesting/roosting sites. Quoting the the Council's own action plan 'Sparrows have declined by 46% over the last 25 years'. The document then proceeds to list objectives to protect this red List species. Is this plan worth the paper it is written on?

At this time of year the park attracts large flocks of winter Thrushes. They can be seen foraging on the 'ski slope' On the approach of Sparrowhawks or any other danger the habit is to take immediate cover in the vegetation surrounding the bowling green.That is now not an option!

I made urgent calls to the Parks officers to be informed, as you will probably guess, that these works are part of maintenance cost saving programme that is going to be rolled out in all Sheffield parks. I was told that an ecological survey had been done. I spoke to the ecology officers who said that the plan was to carry out some monitoring before work started. This has not happened. There was no local consultation that I am aware of.

We all know that economies have to be made but once these valuable sites are lost they will

take years to replace.

Surely it is right that local people should be consulted before such drastic measures are taken.

They might even have good ideas to find other ways of economising.

It is too late for Meersbrook but, hopefully, you may stand a chance of protecting your local parks.

Jan Turner

 

Badger Cull Pilot Scheme

We are disappointed to hear that the pilot scheme for the culling of

badgers in two areas of the UK, has now been given the go-ahead

by the government.

For more information please click on the link http://www.badger.org.uk/_Attachments/Resources/623_S4.pdf

Please let us know your thoughts and opinions on this controversial decision.

December 2011

In view of the great success of the recent visit of the BBC Autumnwatch team to the City of Sheffield. We have copied the many blogs about the top tips on where to watch wildlife in and around Sheffield, onto the Wildlife Action Page.

If you would like to add any further tips or comments then please visit:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/natureuk/2011/11/your-top-tips-for-wildlife-wat.shtml

Your top tips for wildlife watching in Sheffield

Comments

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Post categories: Autumnwatch

 Jeremy Torrance web producer | 09:41 UK time, Wednesday, 2 November 2011

Wildlife isn't confined to the countryside - many animals thrive in our towns and cities. Autumnwatch is heading to Sheffield, one of our greenest cities to discover how creatures adapt to the urban jungle.

Do you live or work in Sheffield? We'd love your top tips on where to watch wildlife in the city. Have you seen deer in the centre of town, otters near the shopping mall, or simply spotted something interesting in your local park or garden? Please let us know by posting a comment below.

Update 14 November: Wow! Thank you for your amazing response. Really, really helpful. We've finished filming there now, so watch Friday's show to see Sheffield's amazing wildlife.

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1.

At 10:19 2nd Nov 2011, Sonia wrote:

Good Morning!
I myself live in between Sheffield, Rotherham, and Worksop!

Clumber Park (National Trust) is always a good place for wildlife and not that far from Sheffield in North Nottinghamshire, I go all the time! Plenty of squirrels, ducks, birds (finches) etc. The squirrels are even tame in certain places to feed out of your hands!

Going by the River Don in Sheffield, you can see the odd king Fisher, variety of birds and ducks.

I have 3 squirrels in my backgarden this Autumn, the odd finch too!

Here are a few links which are good places around sheffield/Rotherham

http://www.wildsheffield.com/Sheffield/FolderMenu/content22.aspx?id=188

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Comment number 2.

At 10:24 2nd Nov 2011, Sonia wrote:

There is also the Botanical Gardens, which is excellent in sheffield for wildlife.
http://www.sbg.org.uk/index.asp

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Comment number 3.

At 10:57 2nd Nov 2011, Sam wrote:

Hi, We have a Badger set in our garden, there are four, sometimes five badgers out. We have put a 'night' camera at the main entrance to the set and one under the bird feeders. We put out peanuts and watch the fun as they feed and push each other out of the way with their bottoms. The set is under our garage, not used by the car, and must be huge, by the amount of soil put out. When they come out of the set at dusk they poke their head out and sniff the air before coming out. Do they line the set with anything or is it straight on to the soil. I brought some straw up from the stables for them to use but they have ignored it.
Sam

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Comment number 4.

At 13:16 2nd Nov 2011, sarafairy wrote:

Me and my girls go to a community allotment project and the wildlife down there is great. We have come close to foxes and seen the ferrel cat catch mice, rats and squrrials. We even have bee hives on site which adds to the excitement of wildlife.
Sara

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Comment number 5.

At 13:17 2nd Nov 2011, Jam wrote:

Sheffield is littered with great places to spot wildlife, personal favourites being the Rivelin Valley, and the Loxley Valley, which me and my wife-to-be have been very lucky to call our home for since we were born. The abundance and mix of both flora and fauna is something very special. Including (if I remember rightly on this first one) the Rivelin valley housing one of the longest stretches of lime tree in Europe. The bird species are our personal highlights. Any one morning you can count easily over 20 species, and that can be on a bad day!
The Agden area is a great place too, with Osprey and Shrike being spotted this year, along with an awful lot more.

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Comment number 6.

At 14:11 2nd Nov 2011, Trevor wrote:

Blackamoor, Totley Moor and Totley Moss are great places for wildlife on the South-West edge of the city. There are Red Deer, at least one badger (which tried to trip me over whilst running at dusk) and lots of birds including Sparrowhawk, Kestrels, and Barn & Tawney owls.

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Comment number 7.

At 14:52 2nd Nov 2011, EnglishFolkfan wrote:

Sheffield's Ecclesall Woods are an absolute must visit. They cover 140 hectares, that's around 350 acres, of ancient 'working' woodland with archeology dating from the Neolithic period. There is wildlife in abundance, biodiversity status with historically important activities like charcoal making, ancient landscape shaping and, for your viewers, good public transport access. Plus a place for refreshments and cake! The Woods have a Friends Group as well as Sheffield City Council management and enterprises.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecclesall_Woods
http://www.friendsofecclesallwoods.org.uk/about/ecclesall/
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/trees--woodlands/woodland-sites-and-projects/ecclesall-woods
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/trees--woodlands/woodland-sites-and-projects/ecclesall-woods/woodland-discovery
(When Spring comes round imo these are the very best Bluebell Woods, but don't tell everyone :)

Backa Moor one of Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust's reserves was our other local patch when we lived in the City and an amazing place it is too on any day of the year.
http://www.wildsheffield.com/Sheffield/FolderMenu/content22.aspx?id=54

Sheffield's hills made the green valleys a natural escape route for workers to reach clean fresh air on their Sundays off when the City was a big industrial centre. The rivers down these valleys also powered the mills that drove those industries as in The Rivlin http://www.rivelinvalley.org.uk/valley.htm this also meant 'wildlife corridors' were the norm in this City.

Sheffield Council adopted a policy of 'thou shalt walk on the grass' for it's green spaces. For more wildlife and outdoor gems in Sheffield just look here:
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside

The National Trust Longshaw Estate on the western edge of the City has a great importance for specialist plant and wildlife habitats. http://peakdistrict.nationaltrust.org.uk/longshaw

Check out the weather differences between the Western Peak National Park side of Sheffield and the City centre. There is a measurable rain and temperature range over those six miles or so!

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Comment number 8.

At 15:19 2nd Nov 2011, Roger wrote:

There are loads of good places to watch wildlife in and around Sheffield.

The valleys of the Porter, Rivelin and Loxley link the city the with the open countryside with of the Peak District National Park. They are great places to see birds such as dipper and grey wagtail.

There are huge areas of woodland and moorland within the city boundary, including the wild and rugged Burbage Valley - another great birdwatching spot. Cuckoo and ring ouzel can be seen there in spring.

My favourite 'urban wildlife' location is the escarpment known as Parkwood Springs, which gives stunning views across central Sheffield. Wincobank Hill is another good urban vantage point.

If you're feeling energetic, you can walk from the city centre along the River Don to Blackburn Meadows Nature Reserve, then back along the canal. There's a good chance of seeing a kingfisher or two along the way!

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Comment number 9.

At 15:40 2nd Nov 2011, David wrote:

It's always worth heading to St. George's church as there's a good chance you'll see a peregrine. The university has installed a nest box and hopefully they'll be breeding in the city centre before too long.

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Comment number 10.

At 15:49 2nd Nov 2011, moonlight828 wrote:

I've lived in Sheffield all my life and can really recommend it as a place to watch wildlife! In the Botanical Gardens there's lots of birds and squirrels - really tame ones :) Ecclesall Woods is also a really interesting place to visit, the sound of birdsong in there is amazing.

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Comment number 11.

At 16:42 2nd Nov 2011, RedStarPenguin wrote:

We live in Bawtry, 20 miles outside of Sheffield. As we are in a rural area there is sadly a lot of roadkill on our nearby roads. This year I have noticed quite a few dead Polecats on our main road in the mile before the road reaches the village urban area. Is this unusual? There are currently 2 dead Polecats on the road side. The area is flat/undulating arable land, pig farms and quite a lot of wooded areas.

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Comment number 12.

At 17:15 2nd Nov 2011, weecat wrote:

Nether Edge/Brincliffe Edge is a green urban area within 2 miles of Sheffield city centre and has an abundance of wildlife including urban badgers which seem now to outnumber urban foxes in this area ( the foxes have declined here in recent years) hedgehogs ( my neighbour still has one coming to food each night). There are Tawny owls, Sparrowhawks, woodpeckers, nuthatches and any manner of woodland and garden birds.

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Comment number 13.

At 17:47 2nd Nov 2011, Jayne wrote:

My sister lives in the Crosspool area. She has had a fox in the garden and a pair of owls on the roof! Also lots of bats to see at dusk.

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Comment number 14.

At 18:07 2nd Nov 2011, Penny Bun wrote:

The moorlands surrounding Redmires Reservoirs on the NW fringe of the city is are a good place to see brown hare, mountain hare, water vole and a whole host of birds including curlew, lapwing, crossbill, kestrel and buzzard.
In the city centre, the River Don has kingfishers, dippers, grey wagtail sand martins and goosander amongst others.

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Comment number 15.

At 22:22 2nd Nov 2011, dawny wrote:

I haven't lived in Sheffield for a while, but I heard that there were waxwings at Wharncliffe Side.

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Comment number 16.

At 09:11 3rd Nov 2011, pigeon wrote:

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

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Comment number 17.

At 12:32 3rd Nov 2011, S13christine wrote:

There are good sites for urban wildlife on the south-east edge of Sheffield along the River Rother. Used to be one of the most polluted rivers in europe now has a good fish population which results in groups of goosanders on there at this time of year plus cormorants, heron and kingfishers.

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Comment number 18.

At 14:45 3rd Nov 2011, john le corney wrote:

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

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Comment number 19.

At 19:06 3rd Nov 2011, Roger wrote:

This morning there was a report of someone seeing an otter on the River Sheaf.

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Comment number 20.

At 20:27 3rd Nov 2011, Ferrarimarty wrote:

We have just booked to go on a dusk goose walk in Loch Leven, nr Kinross this Sunday. We are hoping to figure out the lay of the land and the location of the hides so we can head up ourselves at dawn to see the geese leaving another weekend.

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Comment number 21.

At 08:09 4th Nov 2011, john le corney wrote:

Heeley City Farm would be a good place to film a bit of Autumnwatch. I’ve seen a Black Redstart (a few years ago) and three Ring-necked Parakeets (last week).

Often see Kestrels or Sparrowhawks. We are awaiting the autumn influx of Redwings and Fieldfares and it is a favourite place for Waxwings if they choose to come to Sheffield this year.

Our compost heaps and gardens make warm and rich feeding grounds for some insect eating birds, including overwintering Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps.

And a good chance of a Kingfisher or Heron and bats on the River Sheaf below the farm. And where will the Mandarin Ducks get to next?

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Comment number 22.

At 09:42 4th Nov 2011, Young _Nudger wrote:

What about having a look at the Old Moor Nature Reserve on the out skirts of Sheffield in beautiful down town Barnsley.
A nature reserve that has been formed out of the biggest derelict piece of land in Western Europe. The whole site used to be covered in colliery spoil, mines, railway sidings and chemical works only a few years ago.
There's 3 to 5 thousand golden plover swirling around in front of the Wath Ings hide at the moment. Also there are a few other waders including a few green sandpipers, ruff and black tailed godwit plus good numbers of teal and wigeon.
I'm surprised Nature Watch hasn't been there before because this is a real phoenix type story.

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Comment number 23.

At 09:50 4th Nov 2011, S13christine wrote:

The Shire Brook Valley, between Woodhouse and Hackenthorpe is a brilliant place to see loads of wildlife. Woodpeckers (great spotted and green) and Jays are all over the place at the moment as are flocks of long-tailed tits and finches. Lots of invertebrates, plants and fungi as well. The area is partly reclaimed sewage works, coal mines and landfill sites - and has old watermills and dams in there as well. Although it also has some tiny bits of lowland heath complete with heather and really old trees - which you probably wouldn't guess from looking at them. Wonderful to explore and easy to get to even by public transport!

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Comment number 24.

At 15:02 4th Nov 2011, Jeremy_web_producer wrote:

Hi all, thanks for you amazing replies! We're all very impressed and very thankful - they've been a real help. Please keep them coming in.

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Comment number 25.

At 15:32 5th Nov 2011, Studixonscott wrote:

The Notre Dame High School Environmental Learning Centre (ELC) in Sheffield is a bit of a hidden gem (although i would say that, my wife works there!) Despite the thoroughly urban location there is a small veteran woodland (Smiths Wood) full of tawnys, nuthatches and woodpeckers to name but a few; a badger sett; foxes; bats living under a beautiful Victorian culvert; lot's of groovy mushrooms and occasional rare plant; and the odd ghostly Notre Dame nun wafting round (they're harmless enough). The ELC is an open resource, for all schools in Sheffield teeming with woodland cams, a remote weather station, and other digital goodies.

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Comment number 26.

At 19:42 6th Nov 2011, Jan T wrote:

I regard myself as very fortunate because I live in the most exciting green city when it comes to exploring wildlife. I live approx 2 miles from Sheffield city centre and can take a short walk from my home into ancient woodlands and meadows full of plants and animals generally believed to be confined to rural areas. I belong to a very active wildlife trust that helps to manage the green spaces that abound within a large housing estate on an area called the Gleadless Valley. The 'green' network in Sheffield is amazing with many 'friends' groups protecting and enhancing their local sites. Badgers,foxes,deer etc have been reported in these urban areas. Last month I was driving past the local DIY store and saw a family group of 4 Buzzards above me just a mile from the city centre! My garden bird list includes;Blue tit,Great tit,Long-tailed tit,Coal tit, Nuthatch, Great spotted woodpecker,Goldfinch, Ring necked parakeet. I regularly moth trap and have had some really good records.
Such a lot more to explore in our wonderful green city!

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Comment number 27.

At 21:18 6th Nov 2011, slobbydobbit wrote:

There is a wildlife pond at Heeley City Farm (which is in the middle of a built up area) which is great for bat watching - they fly all round the farm in the dusk too. We get regular visits from the local foxes and all manner of birds visit the site to feed - I've seen lots of different finches and tits and blackbirds to name a few. A pair of pheasants visited the farm last year. The staff at the farm actively encourage it by including lots of wildlifey areas in hidden corners on site. You wouldn't know you were in the middle of the city!

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Comment number 28.

At 09:17 7th Nov 2011, S13christine wrote:

Over at Shire Brook Valley, I watched a crow 'mobbing' a buzzard yesterday morning - buzzards definitely becoming more common round us. We've got flocks of blackbirds guarding the hawthorn bushes. this appears to happen every winter in advance of the redwing and fieldfare flocks coming along - Strangely we don't get many waxwings, they seem to prefer to stay in the nearby supermarket car park. and we used to get murmurations of starling but now they are down to a murmur - although numbers are starting to build up this past week or two. good mixed tit flocks around and parties of long-tailed tits. As one of the other bloggers said there was a mushrooming of fungi this weekend as well.

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Comment number 29.

At 11:35 7th Nov 2011, Adam Anderson wrote:

A few of my rarer sightings include a badger crossing Derbyshire Lane in Heeley. Very early, about 3am, one morning. I think it was going from Harvey Clough to the cemetery.
I've seen a Kingfisher in Endcliffe park, flying low over the lowest dam.
A bit further up the stream, near the bridge by Rustlings Road, I once saw a Dipper.
I've seen Dippers further up the Porter, but that was surprisingly far into town.
Both sighting were on busy Sunday afternoons, so you just have to be ready, especially for the fast flying jewel of a Kingfisher.

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Comment number 30.

At 19:38 7th Nov 2011, borderterror wrote:

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

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Comment number 31.

At 20:46 7th Nov 2011, richard wrote:

It's worth mentioning that the City is the only city in the Uk with a National Park within its boundary. The wildlife that enteres the city using the river corridors has to be unique to anywhere in the country. Around where I live we have remnant populations of the Wharncliffe Deer Park herd and more recently, a healthy population of Roe Deer. Greno, Wharncliffe, Wheata, Prior Royd, Hall Woods are habitats suppporting fantastic wildlife - yet located only a few miles from the 4th largest city centre !! Recent sightings of Buzzards around the area only help to indicate that the city's habitats are healthy and well. The number of Dippers along the Riven Don is truely amazing. One of the best sights I've ever encountered in the Bradfield area was a pure white (ermine) stoat sat on a stone boundary wall on the way towards Strines Moor. Wharncliffe Heath is totally unique, a rich habitat of heathland nestled within a forested setting yet within an impressive Romano-British Quern making factory. There's no where else I know that surpasses this unique place - forget Stonehenge!

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Comment number 32.

At 20:55 7th Nov 2011, WildAboutLife wrote:

The Totley area is a brilliant place to see wildlife. The many fauna and flora surveys that are being carried out are revealing what an amazing place the whole area is. From birds to bats and mammals to flowers, the biodiversity of the place is sooooooo incredible!

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Comment number 33.

At 22:28 7th Nov 2011, Wildside wrote:

Such a glorious day - my wife and I went to Whirlowbrook Park and saw Mandarin Ducks courting and mating on the lake. Off then to Redmires where we saw three maybe four Crossbills in the conifer tops!


Ken Allsebrook
Sheffield

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Comment number 34.

At 00:41 8th Nov 2011, charlotte_mills wrote:

I used to live in the middle of Rivelin Valley and it's great for wildlife (bats, owls, squirrels, foxes, the odd badger, variety of other birds like wagtails etc). I even named the regular grey heron I saw Gandalf (as in Gandalf the Grey Herron ^_^). It's a lovely place to go for a walk as well. Also, along the River Don by Kelham Island you can see the odd kingfisher.

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Comment number 35.

At 08:17 8th Nov 2011, Paul Gaskell wrote:

The urban river Don corridor all the way from Forgemasters up through to Oughtibridge is superb for dippers, kingfisher and heron. The area of river around Kelham Island industrial heritage museum is of great interest - but currently threatened by a hydropower scheme. All of the city centre rivers (Sheaf, Porter Brook, Don) as well as the urban tributaries just upstream of the city around the Hillsborough area (Rivelin, Loxley) have thriving wild trout populations that are currently migrating to their spawning grounds (you can see them jumping at the bottom of the many weirs). The main river Don also holds large populations of grayling. The Don catchment rivers trust as well as local Environment Agency fisheries dept are tackling the barriers to fish migration in both the main river and particularly the Sheaf (e.g. natural bypass channel in Millhouses park, larinier fish pass at Niagara weir on the main river). Our local group (SPRITE) runs litter cleanups in the river corridor as well as monthly aquatic invertebrate monitoring (via the Riverfly partnership methodology), bat and bird box installations with local youngsters, himalayan balsam and japanese knotweed control works, re-seeding and planting with native flora, fishery population monitoring via best practice angling competitions. A short "start up" video for the group here: http://vimeo.com/11460651

Dr. Paul Gaskell (Wild Trout Trust Conservation officer for "Trout in the Town" project)

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Comment number 36.

At 10:17 8th Nov 2011, Ken A wrote:

Although not in Sheffield - Carburton Lakes, near Clumber Park, is a regular spot for birdwatching. Feeding cups on fence posts in a small pull-in overlooking the lake draw a variety of tits and finches to within a couple of feet of the car. Great way to spend an hour. We were watching rooks mob a couple of Common Buzzards over the lake a couple of weeks ago.

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Comment number 37.

At 10:28 8th Nov 2011, locationman wrote:

I have seen foxes in shirebrook rd albert rad valley.Also a heron flies regularly down this urban valley and along the sheaf. especially in the snows last year. a flock of wax wings visits ourr holly tree on shirebrook rd every year. i think about nowish. Last autumn we filmed a grouse with a mobile from three feet away for about 5 minutes. it didn't move. it was stood on a rock on the highest point above strines inn on one side and ladybower reservoir on the other. At the head of the reservoir below strines in a small flock of geese is in semi permanent residence and the shallow water is sometimes full of frogs that sit on the bottom. The approach to the reservoir has a quatre acre diamond of solid blue bells. there is a bend in the river close to rotherham where fishermen pull giant fish ( the don can't remember where exactly tho!) king fishers on the don in sheffield city centre. opposite the riverside pub nr nursery street.. thats all i can think of for now.

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Comment number 38.

At 12:02 8th Nov 2011, Feltstar wrote:

I agree with Roger (8. above) that Parkwood Springs is an excellent site for seeing wildlife, in addition to its great views over the city.
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/parks/a-z-city-district--local--parks/parkwood-springs
("The Sheffield City Council land is largely designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.")
There are long-terms plans/hopes for it to become 'our country park in the city'. http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/landfill_could_be_city_s_central_park_1_440805

Also, I can see why Fox Hill got its name! I've often seen foxes crossing streets and gardens in Fox Hill (more specifically Birley Carr) and can certainly hear them late at night; regular visits from squirrels, bats at dusk, and a variety of birds.

Back Edge is another great site and vantage point:
http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/sheffield/North_Sheffield_WW/sites/Back_Edge.html

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Comment number 39.

At 12:43 8th Nov 2011, paulmed wrote:

I have been watching the birdlife in Ecclesall Woods for many years now and besides all the typical woodland birds on show it holds a Pigeon and Corvid roost during the winter months. The Corvid roost can number several thousand birds and can provide a real spectacle when they are flying into the Bird Sanctuary at dusk. These Rooks and Jackdaws come in from all round the Sheffield region, definitely worth seeing !

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Comment number 40.

At 19:30 8th Nov 2011, Jiber wrote:

You can't beat the area around Bradfield moor and Agden reservoir for birds its on a flight path for the migration of many birds just take a look at SBSG site for resent sightings.
Osprays have been on the reservoir this year, I have been luckly enough to photograph SE owl, LE owl, Tawny owls and plenty of Little owls this year the list is endless.
My photo of the fieldfare was taken in this area which got photo of the day on the Autunmwatch flicker site.

Jiber.

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Comment number 41.

At 20:11 8th Nov 2011, WildAboutLife wrote:

Gillfield Wood, Totley is a great place to go looking for wildlife. There are so many different types of habitat that attract many species of birds, bats, mammals, fish, plants and invertebrates. I saw a herd of Red Deer there on Sunday the 6th November. There were 12 animals in total, they were grazing in a pasture next to the wood before slowly ambling into the wood to seek cover.

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Comment number 42.

At 22:44 8th Nov 2011, Jon H wrote:

I regularly watch birds at Parkwood Springs - an amazing place inside the outer ring road. The north west corner of Shirecliffe Tip is great for watching migration, with good numbers of meadow pipits, skylarks, redwings and fieldfares passing over recently. Last month also had crossbill and brambling. The siskin and redpoll flocks stay all winter. The pylons are frequently visited by peregrine, which sometimes eats its dinner there - great views at eye level from the top of the hill. Four buzzards together last month, as well as the regular sparrowhawk and kestrel. Down by the river there are heron, kingfisher, dipper and grey wagtail most days. Hard to find a better place inside the ringroad, and its great to have it on the doorstep.

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Comment number 43.

At 23:52 8th Nov 2011, northpigeon wrote:

Wildlife thrives in some of the most urban areas of Sheffield. I have seen herons many times from Lady's Bridge (city centre), as well as king fishers and plenty ducks!
In the summer we saw a huge amount of bird life from Norfolk Bridge on the Don, and along the 5 weirs walk, again kingfishers, and summer birds, also geese.
Other urban areas like Burngreave have surprising large amounts of wildlife - in our garden near the Cemetery and Burngreave Rec we see: hedgehogs, squirrels, bats - there are owls (though we only hear them, think they live in the cemetery) goldfinch, bullfinch, greenfinch, blue tits, great tits, coal tits - on the Rec there are long tailed tits, black caps, to name a few. We have also had Waxwings in previous years.
And Parkwood Springs is an amazing place, I think a previous comments cover the wealth of wildlife to be found there.

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Comment number 44.

At 08:47 9th Nov 2011, salma_f wrote:

Parkwood Springs is a vantage point high above the city centre with a fledgling forest garden and lots to see. Burngreave cemetery and the adjacent adventure playground and recreation field have bird species on the conservation lists also foxes and other small mamals. Roe Woods is ancient woodland with a variety of wildlife and pond dipping activities for local children. Kelham Island on the River Don have had deer sightings and Wardsend Cemetery is wilderness itself.

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Comment number 45.

At 10:33 9th Nov 2011, Will wrote:

Gleadless Valley has Ancient Woods, wildlfower meadows and a range of other habitats within and between large built-up areas in the south of Sheffield, a couple of miles form the city centre. These are great places for wildlife. Sparrowhawk, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Jay and many other birds can bee seen. The autumn colours are beautiful at the moment. Local people and volunteers help to manage and look after these valuable urban greenspaces.

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Comment number 46.

At 11:32 9th Nov 2011, Dr Paul A Ardron wrote:

Where to start in a city that has such diverse habitats and wildlife? One could enjoy a visit to any one of dozens of ancient woods, numerous babbling brooks, reservoirs and dams, swathes of heather moorland, extensive gritstone edges and boulder strewn slopes, myriads of spring-line habitats, marshlands, washlands, rich unimproved grasslands, ancient parkland, or even the rich urban habitats made internationally famous by the late, great urban ecologist Oliver Gilbert: all within the city boundary.
To me Sheffield has such a wealth of wildlife interest and there is so much that could be mentioned, but highlights at this time of the year must include-
Located in the western suburbs of the city, the Botanical Gardens are a great place to visit in the autumn. The colours and textures are fantastic and there is always a lot of very interesting wildlife about. The site is good for birds because of the variety of niches and the cover provided by evergreen trees and shrubs for roosting. Sometimes migrating birds pause there to feed and rest, notably finch species and thrushes. There are also usually plenty of fungi to be seen, with rarities associated with the non-native trees and woodchip mulch and other unusual niches. Sometimes truly exotic fungi are seen in the covered pavilions. A few years ago the Australian ‘’basket-fungus’’ appeared there.
The botanical gardens are also home to an extremely exciting group of exotic, introduced invertebrates called globular springtails. There are at least five non-native species that can be found there. These remarkable, tiny but colourful animals originate mainly from Australia and New Zealand. There is even an un-described type found in the gardens that resembles a springtail photographed recently in Tasmania. These nationally rare springtails have only been recently discovered in Britain, largely because of advances in macro-photography.
A tributary of the Rivelin Valley on the western outskirts of the city, Wyming Brook is a stunning wooded gorge. This site is a visual masterpiece at the moment with its autumn colours, in particular the stands of 150 year old plus European Larch trees, laden with cones and so attractive to birds such as goldcrest, coal tit, siskin and at times noisy flocks of crossbills.
The site is also great for fungi, lichens, mosses, liverworts, ferns and other non-flowering plants; all of which look best at this time of the year. In places, the sheltered, humid environments found here nurture communities resembling western ‘’Atlantic’’ an

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Comment number 47.

At 12:12 9th Nov 2011, Dr Paul A Ardron wrote:

Continuing on:
’Atlantic’’ and montane locations, to be expected in places like Western Wales and the Highland of Scotland. For example, there are exceptional sphagnum moss colonies here with several rare and attractive species more typically found in north facing corrie environments in Scotland and, sites where the minute ‘’jewel-like’’ slime mould Lamproderma columbinum , so characteristic of deep western gorges in places like Wales can be found in the autumn. Also, one might find toadstools typical of southern beech woods growing near to species more likely to be seen in western Scotland.
Nearby Redmires, with its three early 19th century reservoirs is nationally well-known as a site for viewing so-called ‘’visual migration’’ throughout the late summer and autumn months. Especially during the first couple of hours of daylight, large numbers of birds including finches, pipits, winter thrushes, and wood pigeons, many originating from Scandinavia, pass low over the site. In early November, particularly during periods of high pressure, there are likely to be thousands of wood pigeons, redwing and fieldfare passing over Sheffield in the early morning; at Redmires the movement of these birds is concentrated and many appear low overhead. The upper reservoir of the three is well down at the moment and the exposed mud is attractive to gathering lapwings and other passing wading birds. Also, there are nearly always black-headed gulls around and in the afternoons lesser Black-backed gulls gather in a pre-roost. The latter may eventually move off to the south west, to roost at Middleton Moor in the ‘’White Peak’’, where in the last few days, up to one thousand of these larger gulls were present. ‘’Ocean View’’, a hill overlooking the reservoirs which was so named because the people of the early 19th century thought the newly constructed dams ‘’looked like a sea’’, is vegetated by unimproved grassland and is a reliable site to see a variety of waxcap and other characteristic grassland fungi.
Stanage Pole, a landmark on the moors just a mile away to the south west, is a great place to get panoramic 360 degree views of Sheffield and the Peak District. It is also a good place to see the migration of moorland birds such as meadow pipits and on a fine day more than likely skenes of pink-footed geese transferring from the Lancashire Meres to the Wash. During October and November a large proportion of the thousands of pink-

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Comment number 48.

At 13:45 9th Nov 2011, S13christine wrote:

Great spotted woodpeckers visit local gardens in the Shire Brook Valley and we've started to get more green woodpeckers - often you just hear their 'yaffle' sound, which can be quite spooky at this time of year.
The local nature reserve at Shire Brook is a really good place for a walk at any time of the year - lovely autumn colours at the moment. Instructions on how to get there can be found on the City Council's website.
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/trees--woodlands/woodland-sites-and-projects/south-east-sheffield-woodlands-project/shire-brook-local-nature

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Comment number 49.

At 13:54 9th Nov 2011, Dr Paul A Ardron wrote:

To end my 'comment':

pink-feet that winter on the Wash and North Norfolk Coast pass over the Peak District, typically within a roughly four mile wide ‘’fly-way’’ crossing the ‘’Eastern Moors’’ to the south-west of the city.

These are just a few of the gems to be found around our very green city, but there are many more and, autumn is a great time to see nature city-wide in Sheffield.

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Comment number 50.

At 09:57 10th Nov 2011, Wildside wrote:

For more information about wildlife in and around Sheffield and beyond - go to the South Yorkshire ECONET site: http://www.ukeconet.co.uk web site. Lots of information, interactive stuff and surveys, and plenty of free downloads.

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Comment number 51.

At 11:12 10th Nov 2011, team_bernard wrote:

My son and I had several picnics with Bingham Park's resident heron over the summer. He was more often than not in the same position each time - standing on a rock towards the far end of the duck pond. We sat and ate lunch on a blanket while he stood silently, occasionally wading or diving for fish (which my son saw swallowed whole on more than one occasion). For a couple of months during the summer, I visited the park as often as possible and met friends at the spot or en route so we could check whether he was there again. We all started reporting our latest sightings ('heronwatch'), timings, location, activity. It almost became competitive ...

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Comment number 52.

At 12:01 10th Nov 2011, pedesnpods wrote:

Paul’s right, where on earth do you start, when looking at wildlife in Sheffield – there is so much to see! We sit in a unique ‘cross-hairs’ position in Britain, with a meeting of a pronounced east west rainfall (Isohyet) gradient, a north south temperature (isotherm) gradient and a very distinct altitude variation between east and west. Not to mention all the river valleys and related aspect differences. This means that we have a lot of species which are at the most northerly edge their distribution and others at the most southerly point of their northern distribution. Being one of the best recorded cities in the world, we can observe year on year at this boundary, the small changes as climate and other factors move species distributions 1km at a time, wood by wood, or even log to log.

At this time of year, Grouse on the western moors is probably an easy thing to find. Try Wyming brook with its Crossbills and then on to Redmires and Stanage edge for Grouse, short eared owls and great views (when the fog lifts!)

I have a species of Harvestman in my Crookes garden that has been recorded nowhere else in Britain! Sadly it is something for Spring Watch and not around at this time of year. There are Millipedes in Ecclesall woods that don’t otherwise occur anywhere within 1000 square kilometres of Sheffield. Roe wood is a great site, near the Northern General Hospital which has a wide selection of birds and invertebrates, including a large biting centipede that is normally restricted to the south of England.

Or you can be really exotic and look at the thriving leaf cutter ants in Weston Park Museum. While in the museum you can use the Designed for life interactive and create a creature that will survive an imminent change in climate. You can select characteristics which will send your animal into a world of predators and prey. Eat or be eaten! Every 20 minutes or so, the climate changes and you may or may not handle the new environmental pressures. Keep returning to see if you can create a creature that lasts your entire day visit. Few do. But maybe the Autumn Watch team think they know better??? While you’re there you may also like the giant woolly rhino, lifesized Oak tree and reconstructions of Sheffield habitats past and present.

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Comment number 53.

At 20:17 10th Nov 2011, Rahean wrote:

My friend has a female fox regularly visiting her garden in Sheffield. Happily feeds out of her hand! Got some great photos.

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Comment number 54.

At 22:11 10th Nov 2011, Rustgill wrote:

Ecclesall is a great place for wildlife.

Despite living near the main road, we have loads of wildlife in our garden. Foxes sleep there during the day, badgers visit at night (caught on garden camera), wood mice split their time between the patio and the cellar and we've had around 30 different species of birds.

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Comment number 55.

At 11:31 11th Nov 2011, pedesnpods wrote:

For a quick summary of what to see in Sheffield, the entrance to the What on Earth gallery at Weston Park Museum has an enormous picture of Sheffield with its moors, woodland, pasture and built environment. The 'pixels' are made up of thousands of the species and habitats that can be found in the city from mites to deer.

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Comment number 56.

At 14:11 11th Nov 2011, Lal wrote:

We are close to Heeley City Farm and we regularly see Herons and foxes. The tiny 'back yards' also have lots of hidden creatures - we get frogs every year and have a resident toad, alongside a wide variety of beautiful spiders and bees. My favourite has to be the Swallowtail moths we get - they look like origami. Apparently there were at least fifteen different types of fungi in the Heeley Millennium Park on Sunday morning.
I also often get to watch small birds of prey above the city centre from my office window and I know that the old Moorfoot building is home to lapwings and a colony of crows - the extensive flat terraces high up in the sky are a safe place for birdlife. One day went into work to see the remaiins of the pigeon breakfast right outside my window that a bird of prey had enjoyed.

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Comment number 57.

At 23:54 11th Nov 2011, fiona wrote:

Hi, loads of badgers in the s12 area, Charnock in particular, one story did hit the BBC news headlines about 4 years ago as the amount of badgers living around a certain property totally destroyed a garden. We have a badger sett under our decking and his toilet a few feet away, he was living there 2 years ago but we now think he has moved on.

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Comment number 58.

At 06:24 13th Nov 2011, colin wrote:

For the City Centre area, the Five Weirs Walk down the River Don would be an excellent starting point for Kingfishers, Dippers, Trout, Bullfinches and you may well find the odd cafe on route.
If things turn cold then many the City's roundabouts will be awash with Waxwings, Redwings and Fieldfares.
Ecclesall Wood is well worth a visit for fungi assorted bird life and Autumnal ambiance.
Heading to the West and a stones throw out of the City Limits are the Eastern Moors. Big Moor is excellent for rutting Red Deer, Red Grouse, fungi, Adders and general Bog flora and fauna.
Longshaw Estate is also worth a visit, for fungi ,Treecreepers, Green Woodpeckers, Goldcrests, Nuthatches and is also blessed with a cafe.
Padley Gorge is a popular spot, Oak woodland with an abundance of woodland birds, with the lure of a cafe at the Grindleford end!

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Comment number 59.

At 12:13 13th Nov 2011, Posie wrote:

Sheffield is an amazing place for wildlife and I feel absolutely blessed to live on a large council estate in the north of the city within two minutes of the Loxley and Rivelin valleys, and five minutes of Ladybower and Agden Dams.

The planning of the estate with it's long wildlife corridors means there is always something scurrying, snuffling or flying around. In my garden alone during the year we have a wide variety of birds including Jay's, wrens, wagtails, goldfinches, swallows, tits, sparrows, thrushes and very rowdy starlings, I think I also recently heard a redwing for a few days and often see a Heron flying between what I'm guessing to be the nearby dam's, although did once see him sat fishing in river at Hillsborough corner. We regularly hear owls in the evenings, and terribly exciting to often see a sparrowhawk sitting on next doors greenhouse! Recently managed to film (not great quality though) a video of this amazing bird take down one of the many collared doves in the area and set about having it's tea on my path! Animals include up to three hedgehogs at a time snuffling around the garden in spring and summer (which is fab for my little veg plot), foxes, squirrels, toads and bats.

So lucky to be here and I can see this all from the comfort of my breakfast table!

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November 2011

An URGENT message from Andy Tickle of CPRE South Yorks and

AUGUST 2011

Update for Norton Aerodrome plannning application; sent in by Jan Turner of Gleadless Valley Wildlife Trust. For Wildlife Action page‏reen Estate's Planning Application for the Norton Aerodrome site is now live and can be viewed on the Council system.  The Planning reference number is 11/01759/FUL.

http://planning.sheffield.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchresults.aspx

Following on from the public meetings in the South and South East Assembly areas, Green Estate are holding two further consultation sessions.

The details of the drop-in sessions are:

• Tuesday 23 August 2011, Valley Park (Sure Start) Children's Centre, 6pm - 8pm.
• Thursday 25 August 2011, Valley Park (Sure Start) Children's Centre, 8.30am - 1pm.

If you would like directions to the venue please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you

Sarah Lucas - Assembly Officer
Sheffield City Council
South Community Assembly
82-84 Sheldon Road
Sheffield
S7 1GX
Tel - 0114 2053050
Mobile - 07814699696
E-mail - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web - www.sheffield.gov.uk

 

Avian pox in garden birds

Conservationists led by the RSPB are calling on the public to help track the spread of Avian Pox which has taken hold among great tits and other birds. The virus had been confined to birds in Scandanavia, Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia but last year, the pox virus reached Wytham Woods in Oxfordshire. There are now indications that the virus is moving north and west.

 Avian pox leads to warty, tumour-like growths on birds, particularly around the eyes and beak. It is known to have mild effects on a wide range of British birds such as the dunnock, house sparrow, starling and the wood pigeon. But things are worse for great tits where the growths can impede sight and feeding. The disease could potentially be infectious to poultry, cage and aviary birds. However, Avian pox is found only in birds, and so it does not pose a threat to the health of humans or other mammals, such as cats and dogs.

RSPB are asking that people who put out food in feeders or water for birds are extra vigilant and clean out their feeders including any perches regularly. They are investigating the spread and intensity of avian pox in the UK, and the full range of species affected by it. If you see any garden bird with growths, please report this by accessing a recording form on http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/health/sickbirds/avianpox.aspx

If you have any photographs of the affected birds, it would be helpful if you could attach these to the report, as they will help us identify what may be causing the growths. Your contribution will be valuable for for the monitoring work. If you require further information or advice, please e-mail RSPB Wildlife Enquiries team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call 01767 693690 (Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm).

 JULY 2011

Please see the message below from Tim Cockrell,
Chairman,Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group

Could you please circulate the link below? It is the homepage for Sheffield City Council's Economic and Environmental Wellbeing Scrutiny committee. It lists all their forthcoming meetings in the town hall, beginning with the meeting on Thursday the 21nd of July at 2pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend these sessions and put questions to the commitee if they want. There is no need to stay for the whole meeting, and there is a friendly and informative usher on hand to welcome and guide members of the public wishing to take part. This committee is responsible for matters pertaining to the historic environment and museums, amongst other things.

In case anyone is not aware, Weston Park Museum has had no archaeological curator for the last two years. It is responsible for the curation and interpretation of an archaeological archive of regional and national importance. It is also the museum responsible for the archiving of newly excavated material for the Sheffield area and beyond, and is also responsible for facilitating access to the archive by members of the public and reseachers. None of these obligations have been adhered to since the departure of the last archaeological curator, with damaging consequences for proffessional contractors and community archaeology projects, and an effective ban on local people wishing to learn more about their historic environment, and researchers wishing to pursue academic research that has the potential to enrich local senses of identity, pride in the region, and sustainable long term economic development.

If the above wasn't bad enough, it would seem that the council now plans to cutback the county archaeology service by 50%. This of course is in addition to the cutback already made, resulting in a 25% reduction in staffing this year. This would not merely see a virtual end to all engagement by local people and researchers into their historic environment, it would put potential archaeological sites up for commercial development at serious risk of destruction without proper investigation, due to the innability of an immasculated archaeology service to cope with the sheer volume of work. This would be nothing short of catastrophic.

Anyone wishing to challenge the above situation should attend one of the meetings listed, and perhaps ask the council how their recent and current policies are going to achieve wellbeing for the local economy and environment?
 

The link is: 
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/your-city-council/council-meetings/scrutiny/culture-economy--sustainability

A PLEA FROM THE HEART!!

20+ years ago myself and an enthusiastic group of people met together to form the Gleadless Valley Wildlife Group. At that time I had no idea about the richness of the Gleadless valley green spaces and joined the group because of my love of the natural world and a wish to explore and learn about the surrounding area.

In 2011 we are now Gleadless Valley Wildlife Trust and have charitable status. This has allowed the Trust to apply for grant aid to protect, conserve and, in some cases, improve the green sites of the valley. Over the years we have fought and won campaigns to protect valuable sites from potential destruction and used grant funding to maintain and improve sites for people and wildlife. We have also run series of walks and talks for the general public in order to raise awareness of the beautiful green spaces in the valley. Although we are still as passionate about the aims of the trust we would really like some enthusiastic new members to ensure the work will continue for the future generations living in the area. This could be active conservation work or help with organising events.

As a young mum 25 years ago, I can remember being a bit apprehensive about committing my time and energy but I can honestly say that every minute was worth it. I have made many lovely friends, increased my knowledge of the natural world and had such a lot of fun along the way! I am still raking meadows and thinning scrub etc. but we could do with more volunteers willing to occasionally give a little of their time.

If you think you might be able to help please contact me on 0114 2811327 for more information. Jan Turner (secretary)

ps. It keeps you fit and saves the gym fees!

Click on the link below to see the copy of the GVWT Summer 2011 Newsletter:

http://www.4shared.com/document/muOyc2Fv/Summer_News_2011_Email.html

June 2011

Proposed development in the Moss Valley at Norton

North East Derbyshire District Council: Planning number 10/00968/fl for a proposed development on pristine Green Belt farmland, and local people and groups are objecting to the detrimental impacts on the landscape, environment and protected wildlife such as Badgers. There are also ancient hedgerows, old trees, and a wealth of wildlife species. The details are below and this represents a major intrusion into the Green Belt with impacts on the protected landscape at this point. 

 Reference: 10/00968/FL            Alternative Reference: N1422

Application Received: 08 Oct 2010               Status: Pending Decision

Address:  Land Between District Boundary And West Side Of Track Leading From Bochum Parkway To Hazelbarrow Farm Sheffield Derbyshire.

Proposal: Application for a change of use of land and erection of a stable block and site office in connection with proposed equestrian business (Conservation Area) (Amended Plan/Additional Information)(Further amended Plans)

The application will be going to planning committee on 28.06.2011. Copies of the report are available on the website, www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk for inspection for five days before the date of the committee meeting. The officers’ recommendation is that the application be conditionally approved. This is despite not having legal access to the site down the existing lane.

 The contact is Matthew Kane on 01246 217753. Northern Planning Team, The Council House, Saltergate, Chesterfield, S40 1LF,  Text us: 0780 0002425

***MOSS VALLEY WILDLIFE GROUP and others are very concerned and are asking you to voice your opinions too.***

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 New planning application for Waverley Link Road across playing fields at Woodhouse Mill.

Rotherham MBC have submitted a new application for the Waverley Development Link Road to go across the playing fields at Woodhouse Mill. This is despite last year's successful community campaign to get the road re-routed and is in opposition to Sheffield CC's application to have the playing fields designated as one of the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee greenspace areas. The proposed road will not only destroy the playing fields but will impact on the wildlife areas next to it. Members of the public are being asked to register their objections to the new scheme by emailing the Fields in Trust organisation   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or writing to them at Fields in Trust, 2nd Floor, 15 Crinan St., London N1 9SQ. Information about the planning application can be found at www.dft.gov.uk .

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What is happening in the Shire Brook Valley?

Annette Taberner (Home Education Group) has sent us the following request for support. She emails "For the last 8 years the Shire Brook Valley has  been supported by a Project Ranger, Chris Smith. This meant there were lots of  events, school visits, group activities and work days with volunteers. After the recent council cuts and re-structure of  the Ranger Service, the Project Ranger post has been lost and sadly for us Chris has been moved to another Ranger Team. We have been coming here for years and think it  is a brilliant green place for people living in around the valley and for the  rest of Sheffield. We want to know what new plans there are to make  sure that all the great things that happen here don't stop and the Shire Brook Valley doesn't get neglected. If you are worried about the future of the Shire Brook Valley,please come to the next South East Community Assembly meeting and support our questions. It's on Thursday  23rd  June, 7.00 to 9.00pm at Handsworth  Grange Community Sports College, Handsworth  Grange Road, S13 9HJ (down Beaver Hill Road)."

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May 2011

Recent Ploughing of Grassland at Oakes Park, Norton, Sheffield S8

The secretary of the Moss Valley Wildlife Group has forwarded a copy of a letter that was recently sent by the group expressing their concerns about ploughing up of grassland. At the May Business Meeting of Moss Valley Wildlife Group, a Committee Member reported that a piece of grassland in the south east area of Oakes Park had been ploughed. At a visit to observe the grassland on 16th May 2011, the secretary was horrified to see that a piece of what appears to be parkland within Oakes Park certainly has been ploughed very recently. Oakes Park, despite being cut through by Bochum Parkway, is still part of the Moss Valley. The Committee of Moss Valley Wildlife Group is extremely concerned about this matter. The grassland within Oakes Park is believed to be a species rich grassland which is now an almost non-existent habitat in the Moss Valley due to various agricultural practices, especially ploughing.  It is believed Oakes Park is a protected habitat, especially for its grassland.  It is also a Conservation Area and within Sheffield’s Green Belt.  Apart from the potential loss of bio-diversity there is now a different visual aspect across this area of parkland within Oakes Park. 

The Group is asking if Sheffield City Council’s Ecology Unit, their Department of Planning & Development and local councillors could look into the matter as a matter of urgency.  The group are worried that ploughing in other grassland areas of Oakes Park could take place very shortly and further damage to the grassland be caused.  MVWG cannot understand why this action has taken place, and if in fact, any wildlife or Green Belt constraints have been broken.  In the Group’s view it would have been preferable to have managed the grassland in order to improve its bio-diversity, rather than plough it up. MVWG is also concerned that work undertaken which changes the nature and quality of the grassland within Oakes Park could have a potential negative impact for the future of both Oakes Park and the Moss Valley, especially if the current Government carries out its stated aims of relaxing planning regulations relating to housing been built on green land and, in particular, Green Belt land.        

They have also asked if Professor Ian Rotherham who is conversant with the ecological history of Oakes Park could offer any information or advice which they think will also be extremely useful.