Sheffield Lakeland Partnership celebrates successes and publishes working strategy for next 10 years

As the Heritage Lottery (HLF) funded Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Project (SLLP) comes to an end, the multi-agency partnership that came together to deliver the project has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue working together until 2033. 

The new 10 year agreement is a commitment to working together towards common goals of nature recovery and increased landscape resilience.

Successes of the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership

The SLLP was a £3.4 million, 5 year project, which delivered a wide range of benefits to the Sheffield Lakeland area, from natural flood management schemes and habitat creation, to the preservation of local oral histories and restoration of hundreds of metres of dry-stone walls. Nearly 73,000 people were engaged through the project, and more than 1,400 people volunteered their time, making it one of the biggest projects ever undertaken in the area.

Led by Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, the partnership brought together statutory bodies, farmers, landowners and community groups to preserve and improve the natural and built heritage of the unique Lakeland area. 

A new phase

Members of the partnership who have undertaken this new commitment included the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, Sheffield Hallam University and Natural England.

With the HLF project funding coming to an end soon, the partnership is looking towards a new phase, building upon the successes already achieved and creating a legacy for the Sheffield Lakeland area.

Liz Ballard, CEO Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, said:

“Over the last five years, the work of the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership has made a really positive difference to the people, cultural heritage and wildlife of the area. But given the continuing Nature Emergency there is still much to do and the Partnership is keen to continue to respond to that challenge.  

“During the next 10-years we commit to contributing to the South Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, working with our partners, land managers and the community of the Sheffield Lakelands to protect the unique wildlife of the area for future generations.”

Dr Jon Bridge, Associate Professor, Department of Natural and Built Environment, Sheffield Hallam University, said: 

“Sheffield Hallam University has collaborated with the SLLP since its early stages through research consultancy, student projects, placements and volunteer activities. The opportunities this relationship has pre