Natural flood management in the Limb Brook Valley to help protect Sheffield and the region

[lead]A partnership project between the Environment Agency (EA), Sheffield City Council (SCC) and Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT) is underway to develop and deliver a range of natural flood management methods in the Limb Brook catchment area.[/lead]

A catchment is the area from which rainfall flows into a river, lake, or reservoir. The Limb Brook catchment covers the central valley of the river itself, familiar with many people from Lady Cannings plantation down past Whirlowbrook Park and finishing in the Ecclesall Woods.

This project, which is also supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, is part of the Upper Don Source to Sea programme, looking at flood risk prevention at a catchment scale by using nature to slow the flow and hold the water in the landscape. This approach will provide wider environmental benefits to the region, allowing it to become more naturally resistant and resilient to climate change.

Across summer and autumn, as the lead delivery partner, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust will undertake a six-month feasibility study of the catchment to inform the design of a range of nature-based interventions. These aim to slow and store water flows, increase the value of existing habitats and improve water quality.

Ecological surveys will also take place to ensure that habitats are not disturbed, but in fact benefit from the changes. Ecological consultants Wildscapes have been asked to undertake this work with specialists from Sheffield City Council and the Environment Agency to maintain an overview and advise.

Pete Wall, Nature Recovery Manager (Water) at Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust said, “The initial feasibility work and ecological surveys are such an important part of the project and will allow us to develop the best natural ways of reducing flood risk while supporting wildlife and our environment.

“Working together with our partners we have a fantastic opportunity to achieve our individual and shared aims to protect Sheffield and the wider region from the risk of flooding.

“We look forward to sharing our findings and initial options for consideration later in the year, as this work progresses. There are various volunteering opportunities to help with this work and we’d love