A partnership of the Environment Agency (EA), Sheffield City Council (SCC) and Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT), supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, are developing and delivering an integrated programme of nature-based solutions in the Limb Brook catchment area to provide flood risk, wildlife and wider environmental benefits.
The Limb Brook: Nature-based Solutions Demonstrator project is a partnership between the Environment Agency, Sheffield City Council and Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, and is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. As part of the Upper Don Source to Sea programme, the works will see a number of natural flood management methods like leaky dams, attenuation ponds and tree planting used to help store and slow water flows to reduce the risk of flooding in the area and support wildlife.
These nature-based solutions will also increase the value of existing habitats, creating resilience to the climate and ecological emergencies.
Work on the project started following a six-month feasibility study and consultation from lead delivery partner Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust to inform the design of the range of nature-based solutions being implemented.
Ecological surveys have taken place to ensure that habitats are not disturbed and wildlife will also benefit from the changes. Similarly, any interruption to visitor use of the popular open spaces in the area has been minimised to ensure people can still enjoy the nature on offer and trails in the woods.
What is Slowing the Flow, NbS, NFM?
Slowing the Flow: Our work aims to reduce the speed water gets into the river and moves downstream. When it rains, water can quickly makes its way into the river all at once. During rare events, this can cause the river banks to flood.
By holding back a portion of water, even temporarily, we can reduce the chance that the river overflows. All the while, the local area is likely wetting up, providing a diversity of habitats.
NbS: Nature-based Solution. The process of working with nature to tackle societal problems and threats (in our case, flooding and nature emergency).
NFM: Natural Flood Management. Management actions and changes to reduce flooding using natural process and multiple low impact inventions (sticks, not concrete).
The Interventions
Follow the links below to discover more about the locations and the NbS we are implementing at each site.
Lady Canning’s Plantation
Limb Valley and Ecclesall Woods
Whirlow Fields
Get involved
As citizen scientists you can help us collect evidence.
You will see signs and metals rests at various points of the Limb Brook, and we’d like you to take pictures using the instructions on the posts. Your pictures will help us monitor how water bodies and associated habitats change over time (before, during and after interventions) and help quantify the benefits in terms of slowing and storing flows and supporting wildlife.
Other citizen science projects will be starting soon – use the link below to join our mailing list.
If you’d like to get involved in any aspect of the Limb Brook NBS demonstrator project, send an email to limb@wildsheffield.com and we’ll let you know about events and opportunities you can take part in, from post installation and planting, to rain monitoring and riverfly counting.
Latest News
Keep up to date with all our nature based solutions:
Downloads
The links below will show you where and what works are planned
The Limb Brook Nature-based Solutions Demonstrator is funded by the Environment Agency and Movement for Good
