Natural flood management work begins in Limb Brook Valley

Work has started on implementing a series of natural flood management measures in the Limb Brook Valley to help protect Sheffield and the region against future flooding.

The 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 utilised to help store and slow water flows to reduce the risk of flooding in the area and support wildlife.

The first phase has now been completed, with the creation of twelve storage ponds by bike-track.com and a number of leaky dams at Lady Canning’s Plantation. The attenuation ponds will capture run-off from the plantation and moorland, whilst the dams will encourage floods to flow into woodland and help the creation of a boggy area at the head of the Limb Brook. The area will then naturally store and slowly release water rather than allow it to quickly surge through the valley.

These nature-based solutions will also increase the value of existing habitats, creating resilience to the climate and ecological emergencies.

Ongoing works will see similar interventions along the course of the Limb Brook and its catchment area; from Lady Canning’s Plantation down through the Limb Valley to Ecclesall Woods and including Whirlow Fields.

A number of additional leaky dams will be installed at key locations in the brook itself, natural drainage will be improved and more attenuation ponds will be created on Whirlow Fields. Likewise, a number of trees are to be planted at significant points as an additional means of retaining water in the valley.

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.

Leo Ingvorsen, Nature Recovery Manager (Water) at Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust said:

“It’s been a great start to an exciting project. The ponds and dams at Lady Canning’s Plantation will help protect people and businesses downstream whilst also supporting local wildlife and encouraging a resilient river system.

“People have been really interested in the work we are doing and we’ve seen a lot of positive engagement from the public on site. With more interesting features yet to come, there are lots of opportunities for people to get involved in some of