Sheffield’s waterways are a defining feature of the city’s landscape, and an important part of our natural and cultural heritage.

The River Don and its tributaries attracted industry to the region and put Sheffield on the map as one of the world’s most important manufacturers, but they are also important ‘green corridors’ which link the city centre to the surrounding countryside, allowing wildlife to thrive in the heart of the city. 

The Waterway Development, Business and Biodiversity project was created with funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to enhance Sheffield’s waterways for the benefit of wildlife and the local community.

Even in the most urban and industrialised areas, our waterways provide habitat for a surprising array of plant and animal species, many of which are nationally rare and of great ecological importance.

Plants such as river water crowfoot, red hemp nettle, smooth cats ear, common spotted orchids and bluebells grow along the banks of the River Don and the Sheffield & Tinsley canal.

Improvements to the water quality have led to increased fish stocks, including roach, perch, chub and trout, which in turn support populations of otters, kingfishers, goosanders and herons. 

Mammals found on the River Don include otters, water voles, water shrews and pipistrelle bats, all of which are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Ecological surveys have been carried out to record data on the habitats and species found along the River Don from Deepcar to Rotherham, and these data are now being used to write a Biodiversity Action Plan for the River Don, outlining priority areas for habitat management and targeted actions to protect key species. 

Sheffield Wildlife Trust is working with businesses and developers operating along the waterways, to ensure that this fragile and important habitat is managed sustainably for the benefit of wildlife and the local community. 

SITA have provided funding for Sheffield Wildlife Trust to encourage businesses with riverside premises to enhance their section of riverbank for wildlife. 

Any company that owns or manages land near the river can take part in the project and make a real difference.  Habitat enhancement work need not involve a large commitment of time or money.  Some examples include putting up bat and bird boxes, clearing invasive plants, planting native riparian species or creating log piles for invertebrates. 

A series of habitat enhancement factsheets is in preparation and will be available to download shortly. 

In addition to making a real contribution to protecting Sheffield’s natural waterway and wetland heritage, companies which engage with the project will benefit from a high-quality environment where their staff can enjoy contact with nature and their customers can appreciate their environmental credentials.

Sheffield Wildlife Trust will support participating businesses to apply for the prestigious Biodiversity Benchmark award.  

Click here for more information.

The floods of June 2007 demonstrated all too clearly the need for sustainable development along waterways.  Sheffield Wildlife Trust is working with city planners and developers to ensure that development along our rivers and canals incorporates wildlife-friendly flood mitigation measures such as sustainable urban drainage, natural wetland areas and green roofs.