Make a donation to our campaigning fund
You can donate online at Virgin Money Giving or send a cheque payable to Sheffield Wildlife Trust (please write ‘campaigning fund’ on the back.)
At Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, we have a great record for protecting and enhancing the nature reserves we own and manage, for raising awareness about the plight of local wildlife and the threats to our wonderful countryside and urban green spaces. But sometimes we struggle to challenge all the proposed developments which we believe may cause harm to wildlife.
One current proposal is to build a new Motorway Service Station off Junction 35 of the M1 in the middle of Smithy Wood, an ancient woodland and a designated Local Wildlife Site in Sheffield’s Green Belt.
Ancient Woodlands are really special and irreplaceable – once lost they are lost forever.
Another proposal is the High Speed Train link (HS2) from Birmingham to Leeds. The current preferred route threatens other Local Wildlife Sites in Sheffield and Rotherham. This proposes a serious threat to our network for nature, with many hectares of Local Wildlife Sites and ancient woodland potentially being lost along the proposed route.
We are not convinced that there are compelling enough arguments for either of these proposals. We believe that the principles of sustainable development – including the need for efficient and sustainable transport systems – must not be achieved at the expense of the natural environment.
If you agree with us, please contribute to our Campaigning for Wildlife Fund. We desperately need more resources to pay for the professional expertise and time needed to scrutinise planning applications and proposed developments to lodge objections and campaign against further damage to our valuable natural heritage.
What are we doing to get a better deal for wildlife?
In the Smithy Woods case we are asking the developers to consider alternative locations for the Service Area. We are also working with the developers to improve the mitigation proposals, in case the development is approved.
For HS2 we will continue to highlight our concerns locally and nationally about the potential impacts on Ancient Woodland and other local wildlife sites.
What you can do – take action!
If you have any concerns or questions about the proposals or consultation, do contact us via 0114 2634335 or mail@wildsheffield.com
- Check our Smithy Wood page for more information about how you can help.
- If you want to know more or can help us please call 0114 263 4335.
What you can do – make a donation to our Campaigning Fund
You can donate online at Virgin Money Giving or by sending a cheque payable to Sheffield Wildlife Trust (please write ‘campaigning fund’ on the back).
Please take action and help us to get the best deal for wildlife.