Formal open spaces also have a role to play, as they provide areas for recreation, solitude or, if preferred, an opportunity to socialise with others using the site. Many of these areas, such as Graves Park, are multi-functional, providing formal open space for recreation as well as wildlife areas. A combination of formal and wild areas is essential for a healthy city and will not only increase the biodiversity of animals and plants but also the range of activities that communities can participate in outdoors.
| It is important that green spaces connect to others in order to allow movement of wildlife throughout the city. Wildlife corridors such as the River Don and the Gleadless Valley prevent areas becoming isolated islands by allowing animal and plant species to move freely throughout the built -up areas. The River Don, for example, connects several urban Wildlife Sites and flows from Stocksbridge in the North, through the city to Tinsley past Blackburn Meadows Urban Nature Reserve. These corridors serve the same purpose to wildlife that roads do for humans by allowing access. This has been recognised by Sheffield City Council and green corridors are included in the Nature Conservation Strategy. |  |
Sheffield has one of the largest areas of woodland in any city in England, including several ancient woodland sites of considerable ecological importance such as Ladies Spring Wood SSSI in Beauchief.
They are important historical features, and can be linked to many significant events such as the rise of the steel industry in Sheffield. Sheffield City Council’s Parks, Woodlands and Countryside Division, Sheffield Wildlife Trust and South Yorkshire Forest work together with other local organisations to protect, enhance and conserve Sheffield’s beautiful woodlands and promote their enjoyment and amenity value to the public Contact:
Sheffield City Council
Parks, Woodlands and Countryside Division
Leisure Services,
Meersbrook Park Offices,
Sheffield
S8 9FL
South Yorkshire Forest Partnership
Thorncliffe Park
Chapeltown
Sheffield
S35 2PH
