news and media
- Creating wildlife habitat in Sheffield
More than 30 community volunteers joined Greenbelt to launch a project that will create a new wildlife nature reserve in Sheffield.
Sheffield Landscape Trust co-ordinated the litterpick at Thorncliffe Pond, with volunteers:
- filling an 8 tonne skip with around 80 bin bags of litter and strewn debris, mainly caused by local flooding
- clearing a large amount of Himalayan Balsam from the site to prevent further spread of the invasive non-native plant
The area, adjoining new homes at Cart Road, will be developed, managed and protected for local people's enjoyment and for wildlife conservation. Greenbelt now has ownership of the site and will maintain all structures, such as the weir, pond, bridges, fencing and culverts. The Trust and Sheffield City Council will share day-to-day management.
Priorities for the next 12 months include building footpaths and a bridge over Charlton Brook, re surfacing the beach, and starting a programme to develop woodland, wetland and grassland habitat.
Fran Hill, Sheffield Council's Countryside Planning Officer, says: "There are plans for community events and school environmental education and arts activities at the Ponds.
"We already have links with Lound Primary and Infant Schools and other primary schools in the area, and we will be working closely with local people to form a Thorncliffe Conservation Group."
Andrew Hampton, Greenbelt's North East Regional Director, says: "This project is an excellent example of how Greenbelt works closely with local councils, local community groups and other organisations to benefit the whole community.
"We can add value to local projects by providing initial funding and building links with all relevant organisations to grow benefits for the community."