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Heathland
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Sheffield has approximately 170 hectares of heathland outside the Peak
District National Park. A rare habitat, locally, nationally and internationally,
it supports many rare bird species such as Nightjar and Golden Plover.
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Grazing Marsh
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Winter flooded meadows and ditches provide important habitats for birds,
amphibians such as the Great-crested Newt and many insects including
dragonflies.
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Semi-Natural
Ancient
Woodlands
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Sheffield has more ancient, semi-natural woodland than any other city in the
UK, covering over 900 hectares in and around the city! Most of this is Sessile
Oak- Birch woodland. However, a small proportion is Upland Oak woodland, a
national priority for conservation. Sheffield’s Bluebell woodlands, although
common in this country are of European importance.
The woodlands of Sheffield support many key biodiversity species such as Song
Thrush, Grey Partridge and Pipistrelle Bat.
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Water Courses
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The whole geography of Sheffield is defined by its rivers, the main ones
being the Don and the Sheaf along with the rivers Loxley, Rivelin, Porter,
Rother, the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal and many ancient mill ponds. These all
provide habitat for important species including the endangered Water Vole and
the native White-clawed Crayfish. Improvements in the quality of this habitat in
recent years have increased the potential for species once lost from Sheffield
rivers, like the Otter, to make a comeback.
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Wetlands
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Reedbeds
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Reedbeds support a wealth of wildlife, including several of
Britain's rarest bird species. The vegetation is usually dominated by
common reed or, less frequently, reedmace, which provide safe nesting sites
for birds including marsh harrier, bearded tit, Waterrall, spotted
crake and bittern (all of which are nationally threatened). |
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Hay Meadows and Pasture
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These colourful flowering grasslands support many nectar loving insects like
butterflies and bees as well as the uncommon Skylark and other ground nesting
birds. Meadows and associated species have declined due to intensive farming
methods. A few meadows have survived in the green belt and in more urban areas
such as the Gleadless Valley
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Gardens and Allotments
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Urban greenspace, allotments and gardens form a significant area of
Sheffield, therefore contributing greatly to its biodiversity. Foxes, Bats,
Hedgehogs, Frogs and Toads have all made this kind of habitat their home.
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Hedgerows
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Ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows are feeding and breeding sites for a
great many birds, mammals and insects. They are vital in providing green
corridor links between woodlands and other habitats. Significant numbers of
important hedgerows survive to the South of Sheffield and to the North around
Ecclesfield and Grenoside.
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