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Countryside Projects

Countryside Management Projects

There are a number of Countryside Management Projects managed by the Parks and Countryside Service, which are detailed below.

Gleadless Valley Meadows

This is a ‘Wildspace’ project managed by the Parks and Countryside Ranger Service and local groups, with funding from Natural England. The project aims to encourage local people to enjoy, appreciate and get involved in the site. The meadows form part of the Gleadless Valley Local Nature Reserve.

Shire Brook Valley

The Shire Brook Valley is designated as a Local Nature Reserve and covers 100 hectares. This is a ‘Wildspace’ project managed by the Parks and Countryside Ranger Service and local groups, with funding from Naural England. The site consists of a variety of habitats including wetland, woodland, lowland heath and ancient meadows. There are two Visitor Facilities available, one at Shire Brook Valley and one at Birley Spa Bath House. Opening hours for both these facilities are by arrangement only.

Loxley and Wadsley Common

This is an area of lowland heath in the west of the city designated as a Site of Scientific Interest (S.S.I.) and a Local Nature Reserve. This type of habitat is unusual for Northern England and consists of a mixture of heathland, woodland and open acid grassland. The site is managed by the Parks and Countryside Ranger Service together with local groups, under the DEFRA Stewardship Scheme.

Ecclesall Woods

Ecclesall Woods is the largest ancient, semi-natural woodland in South Yorkshire, covering over 140 hectares (300 acres) in the west of the city. Current project work involves improving the extensive public rights of way network, archaeological research and reintroducing active woodland management as well as working with local community groups.

Heritage Woodlands Project

The Heritage Woodlands Project, more commonly known as ‘Fuelling the Revolution’ is a £1 million Heritage Lottery Fund project to restore 23 ancient woodlands in Sheffield. These woodlands cover over 250 hectares. The project is delivering a mixture of infrastructure improvements e.g. better footpaths, and improved access, woodland management and a large programme of educational events with community groups and schools.

The project includes the following woodlands: