Ambition 1

30% of land and water great for nature with more wildlife everywhere

© 30×30 Ambition 1 header

Our research shows that right now, less than 4% of land in Sheffield & Rotherham is great for nature. To dramatically improve this statistic, we need to work alongside and in collaboration with land owners, farmers, businesses, schools and communities to create a well-connected nature recovery network.

Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust Nature Recovery Network Map
Our Nature Recovery Network (NRN) map identifies how much land is currently great for nature across South Yorkshire. It also maps priority habitats for restoration and opportunity areas for habitat creation. The core areas (green) are priority habitats in good condition and great for nature (currently estimated at 4.9% of Sheffield and Rotherham). Restoration areas (yellow) are priority habitats that need to be improved (currently estimated at 29.4% of Sheffield and Rotherham)

Urgent, targeted action is needed to bring back key species such as water vole and beaver which can help restore habitats and ecosystems. Nature-based solutions are also critical to reducing flood risk in our region and increasing the amount of carbon we can lock back into the land to help combat climate change.

Natural Flood Management Interventions

The Limb Brook project is an example of how we can work with nature to help improve our
flood defences by slowing the flow of water downstream. This helps us to be more climate
resilient whilst also supporting our wildlife and communities.
Our team constructed over 50 leaky dams, more than 16 attenuation ponds, several swales and a bog dam, all of which ‘slow the flow’ of rain water through the landscape during heavy rainfall events. These natural features along with wildflower, meadow and hedge planting now also support a range of wildlife including birds, insects and amphibians.

Early data results from Sheffield Hallam University have shown that these natural flood management interventions have been responsible for reducing the flow of water into the Brook by 2% overall, and during modest storms 100% of rainfall can be captured. The Limb Brook project is a pilot for more natural flood management work which is planned to take place on the Upper Don catchment, as well as the Sheaf and Porter, and information gathered is being used to inform future innovative nature-based solutions to reduce Sheffield’s flood risk.

Image shows a sloping field under a lightly clouded blue sky. There are trees in the background, and a 'men at work' sign in the distance
Whirlow field before interventions
Image shows a freshly dug pond holding muddy water. There is a debris line on the bank above the water level
The debris line marks how high the water was
Image shows a black pipe protruding from a mound of soil which holds water back. Water is coming out of the pipe and flowing downhill
Water collected at the bund is dissipated into the woodland

“A nature-based approach to flood management is essential if we are to reduce the devastating impact of flooding in Sheffield and reverse the decline of our local wildlife.”

– Roy Mosley, Head of Conservation & Land Management, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust

What can I do?

We need space for nature at all scales – large and small! Could 30% of a space you are involved in be great for nature? 

Just one third of your garden, your workplace grounds, your school grounds, your local park or your place of worship? These places all add up and really help with connectivity for wildlife between larger areas. Maybe your community or parish council has a patch of land which could make a great wildflower patch for pollinators! If you are looking for ideas, browse our gardening tips, or be inspired by what other people are doing.