Sheffield has some of the most striking contrasts between urban and rural areas, anywhere in Britain. One third of the City contains most of the population whilst the other two thirds are largely rural, including some of the wildest moorland in England. The whole geography of the city is defined by its hills and river valleys, with affluent housing and leafy open space nestling alongside urban housing estates and industrial dereliction. Sheffield is bound together by a web of green corridors that stretch into its bustling centre from the surrounding countryside, weaving together a very fine patchwork of green and grey.
Sheffield has a rich and diverse selection of green areas available for its people to enjoy. From places such as Parkwood Springs, it is possible to see just how many neighbourhoods benefit from formal and informal green spaces. It is also possible to identify at a glance those areas that would benefit from a project.
Woodlands, meadows, rivers and mill ponds can be found within the city boundary and are both enjoyed by people and valued by wildlife alike. The city has some beautiful wildflowers, such as the bluebell, which washes Sheffield’s woodlands with colour each spring. Kestrels and sparrowhawks are a regular sight, with the kestrel identifying itself by hovering above its prey before swiftly diving to the ground to lift its prey. Badgers are happily living in several areas in Sheffield, using the relative safety of darkness to forage for food, often in suburban gardens. Other creatures to be found in our cities include kingfisher, water vole and song thrush.
|
Contact with nature brings vast personal, emotional and psychological benefits. Research has shown that accessible, natural places and areas of green open space can help to improve inner city social problems.
|
 |
| Green spaces offer peace and quiet among the daily noise of the city. They are a focus for community and provide areas for socialising, recreation, and play. Natural areas also play a central part in educating our children about biology, geography, geology, environmental sciences, and ecology. They are increasingly being viewed as a source of inspiration vital to learning. | |
Protection of Sheffield’s natural resource is vital for our health and physical well-being. The state of the environment affects the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. The natural world is the source of all our food and fuel, as well as many of the medicines we depend on. It is the life support system for the whole planet. For example, trees and woodland help to absorb pollution from the air, and they reduce the cooling and drying effect of the wind, keeping us warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
The economic benefits of nature and wildlife are becoming more and more apparent. An urban area with lots of high quality green space and areas for wildlife is attractive to business, bringing jobs and investment. Green business is becoming big business as the need for a sustainable future is realised.
Areas managed for nature conservation can earn their own income from sources such as timber, charcoal and woodland crafts. These areas also profit from the tourist industry and associated sales of wildlife guides, binoculars, bird feeders and garden products. Virtually any area of green space can be put to beneficial use, given imagination, enthusiasm and a bit of hard work.
