1

SLLP Project Development Pro Forma

Name of Project Woodland Heart

Woodlands, forestry and reservoirs are key parts of the Lakelands Sponsoring partner Sheffield City Council- organisation & main contact 150 word summary The area covered by the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership is rich in trees,woodland and forestry making significant contribution to the aesthetics of the landscape. The area contains over 600 Hectares of Woodland and an estimate 100 Hectares of ancient semi-natural woodland.

We will produce and deliver a landscape scale sustainable Woodland Management Plan for Sheffield Lakelands.

During this LCAP 2018-2023 we will work across the partnership to directly improve natural and cultural heritage assets in the existing woodland estate and create a coordinated vision and resilient plan for woodlands across the Lakelands through to 2050. 2

Coordinated forestry and woodland operations toward a diverse, resilient and visionary approach 2018-2023. A range of forestry and associated woodland projects will move our woodland estate toward a more diverse and resilient state. Biodiversity and visual cohesion at a landscape scale will be paramount. The future commercial integrity of the woodlands will be planned where possible so as to support for future management opportunities, unsupported by grant and subsidises.

Woodland Gateway 1- Langsett and Stocksbridge,

Woodland Gateway 2-

Woodland Gateway 3 – Agden and Dale Dyke

Woodland Gateway 4- Redmires , and Rivelin

Full project description Woodland and forestry are dominant habitats that shape the visual landscape across the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape . While woodland and forestry cover form an important mosaic across the landscape it is the woodland associated with the reservoirs which forms the most extensive tracts of cover and offers greatest potential for ‘engaged’ neighbours to develop synergy in woodland management. In addition it is these locations where people most visit and experience the countryside.

The history of land use is an important element in how the area is experienced and appreciated. The development of conifer plantations and their interplay with broadleaf woodlands in the valleys, associated with the reservoirs has created a strong aesthetic and community sympathy. The interplay between woodland, reservoirs, clough and scrub woodland and the wider countryside has created the mosaic of habitats which help define the area and add significantly to the biodiversity of the region. The rotation of commercial timber production over small areas in the valleys brings succession in age and diversity of species which compliments both native woodlands and heritage stands 3

of conifer. The origin and management of stands of coniferous timber is part of the business and culture of the Sheffield Lakelands and the management process contributes an important habitat for Nightjar and Goshawk. During the 1970’s and 80’s the area was well known as the place to see goshawk (RSPB Peak Malpractice) and although, locally, the Goshawk has declined recently, the presence of these birds would lead us to consider our woodlands to be considered of regional significance.

The three delivering partners (SCC, YW and SRWT) have UKWAS certification. The UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) is a certification standard which sets out the requirements which woodland owners, managers and certification authorities can use to certify woodland management in the United Kingdom. The standard is the product of an inclusive and transparent process which has involved a balanced representation from the UK forestry and environmental community. It has been designed to ensure that it reflects the requirements of the Government’s UK Forestry Standard and through this the guidelines adopted by European Forestry Ministers at Helsinki in 1993 and Lisbon in 1998. (The UK Woodland Assurance Standard Second Edition)

Produce and deliver a landscape scale sustainable Forest and Woodland Management Plan for Sheffield Lakelands for 2023 to 2050. During this LCAP 2018-2023 we will work across the partnership to create:  A vision, a visual representation, for forestry and woodland management at a landscape scale across the Lakelands. Retaining a suitable range of commercial revenue generating woodland while moving the estate toward a broader ‘ecosystem services’ led regime where the landscape drives practice.  Using the existing partner’s management and forestry design plans, we will create a tripartite management programme around both the commercial and conservation rich woodland. This will include the integration of conservation woodland into the currently dominant coniferous plantations to link habitats and increase landscape cohesion.  Integrate the SLLP work on Goshawk, Nightjar and Water Vole into woodland management within the partnership.  Include the work SLLP is undertaking on Gateways and Archaeology into the forestry operations plans across the partnership.  Communicate to the community the history, evolution and future of our woodland vision.  Outreach both the vision and the partner’s delivery plans to other woodland and landowners with a view 4

to delivering a coordinated woodland and forestry management regime from 2023 through to 2050.

Mapping and communication During years 1 & 2 we will engage a combination of forestry consultants, Ecologists and GIS map specialists to create a woodland vision for the Sheffield Lakelands and identify additional forestry and woodland owners/managers who may participate in a combined sustainable woodland project with biodiversity and connectivity outcomes as a priority.

Project partners will use this information to create a ‘local story’ regarding the evolution of woodland around the reservoirs in particular and the developing vision for woodland management across the Lakelands. This information will be part of how we bring the community with us during this work. The ‘added value’ budget will prioritise communications and community engagement through interpretation over physical improvements.

In year 3 we will undertake a ‘woodland product and market assessment’, which in year 4 will result in a vision and business plan for the ongoing (post 2023) Landscape Forestry Management Plan to be delivered by the partnership.

Our vision will Map overall tree retention, planting and natural regeneration 'opportunity' at a broad level and propose areas for buffering and / connectivity to support the aspirations detailed in the report ‘Making Space for Nature - The Lawton Report (2010) ()’, and to compliment opportunities for Natural Flood Management together with the identification or suitability for Forest/Woodland Creation Grants under Countryside Stewardship. Working closely with the Protecting Sheffield project team and Environment Agency.

Working with partners and the Community Ecologist with support from the Practical and Volunteer Officer will develop a ‘partnership’ approach to ‘community scale’ woodland management of converted compartments and broadleaf woodlands in order to create a sustainable income source for ongoing management.

It is here that the synergistic work of the Landscape Partnership will make the greatest contributions, in particular the bat survey, mapping and modelling project will supply targeted locations and prescriptions for woodland creation and connectivity.

HLF contribution required £23,000

5

Conifer to Broadleaf Our long term commitment within the woodland heart vision will be for a dynamic and cohesive combination of ancient semi-natural woodlands, re-established native woodlands, resilient woodlands of mixed species, heritage conifer and broadleaf stands and rotational commercial forestry. Within this plan we will replace a number of conifer forestry coupes with mixed and broadleaf woodland habitats when the opportunity arises.

SCC, YW and SRWT woodland compartments which have limited commercial value (taking into account the cost and constraints of extraction, markets etc.) have been mapped and targeted for management, with the view for long term retention as non-commercial conservation woodland and achieving the none-financial benefits that can be accrued from woodlands. As they are moved from commercial forestry the partnership will endeavour to create ‘sustainable’ woodland management and inclusion within a joint (partnership) approach to whatever woodland management schemes arise post- BREXIT.

Because this element of the project effectively removes commercial forestry from these compartments and replaces it with non-commercial, conservation broadleaf woodlands (where any future income generated from them will be re-invested directly back into woodland). Any income generated during felling will be reinvested into this work. All elements of the work can be funded by HLF and all other expenditure incurred can be included as match funding.

Actions that can be funded under this option can include: 1. Infrastructure (stacking areas, rides, bridges) required for clear fell, 2. Clear fell and extraction, 3. Habitat creation (groundworks, stream modification etc.), 4. Replanting, fencing and tree protection, 5. Post planting management up to the end of the LCAP period.

Impacting the commercial crop through diversification and resilience

Forestry as a commercial operation, a means by which we can sustain a continued mosaic of important habitats, from clearfelled coupes which offer nesting sites for Nightjar through to stands of mature predominant coniferous forestry for supporting Goshawk will remain important to the partnership. Our opportunity as land managers is to maximise diversity and resilience throughout the Sheffield Lakelands.

6

Within woodland compartments where there remains an economic driver, options for long-term 'resilience' have been identified.

Exemption note: The commercial forestry options outlined under “Managing commercial forestry for resilience” in line with the Forestry Commissions Advice “Adapting England’s woodland to be more diverse – conifers and exotic broadleaves” may be undertaken but cannot be funded by HLF. These are commercial opportunities based around protecting business to create income and revenue and are not wholly directed toward cultural or natural heritage outcomes..

Resilience work will include: 1. Clearing conifer crop trees from significant trees (haloing thinning), usually broadleaves that are a legacy from previous land management and water courses within existing coupes not destined for clearfell during the LCAP period, 2. Managing water courses for wildlife, water quality and natural flood management, 3. Broadleaf planting ‘in-plantation copses’ stream corridors, rides and plantation edges, 4. Fencing to protect re-planting where this relates to non-economic forestry planting, 5. Planting a range of tree species, principally broadleaf and native shrub species throughout commercial replanting to diversify and broaden the overall woodland resilience (note only the non-commercial species planting can be funded.).

Influencing commercial crop management By integrating forestry management within a Lakeland Partnership we will not just ‘exclude’ commercial compartments as this would create a two tier forestry regime. While our ‘vision’ will include woodland and forestry across all ownership in the Sheffield Lakelands our 2023-2050 cohesive management plan will cover all forestry within the partnership.

The widest ‘woodland / forestry consideration will be required when the Landscape Partnership reviews and makes prescriptions for the support of key bird species; Goshawk and Nightjar. How the more ‘commercial’ forestry compartments are managed will be reviewed and a cooperative approach to their management will mean that partners work together to ensure there are sufficient habitat maintained across the Lakeland each year.

Restructure and thinning to conservation conifer and broadleaf woodland 7

A range of coupes which have been planted with conifers and are no longer considered of commercial importance but do not lend themselves to clearfell and reversion to broadleaf woodland so will be developed as heritage coupes. A diverse range of trees will be accepted into these area, developing resilience, visual and biodiversity. These include; relatively narrow strips beside the reservoirs often with public access where the ‘majestic’ mature trees form part of the aesthetic value of the area, and locations such as the centre of Rivelin where clearfell serves no purpose and the aesthetic and wildlife value of retaining the forestry beyond commercial lifespan has been identified.

Veteran and notable trees As the Woodland Heart project moves existing conifer plantations toward broadleaf and higher conservation value woodlands the notable trees will be identified and protected. Information on the notable trees will be passed to the woodland archaeology project to assist them in reading the landscape and included in woodland management prescriptions.

Some forestry sites were surveyed during the development phase in order to give SLLP an insight into the expected level of veteran and significant trees which remain within the forestry compartments (Vet Tree Report Fountains). While no veteran trees were identified there was a good number of old, pre-plantation trees identified.

Where sites have not been surveyed the Community Ecologist will survey of significant trees before felling operations commence.

Practical work, The Woodland Gateways The 4 Woodland Gateways identified in the project area have been identified with a series of actions for each area identified in Table 1, attached with maps to show what is planned for each area.

WOODLAND GATEWAY 1- Langsett, Midhope ,Underbank and Stocksbridge

The Langsett, Midhope and Underbank areas are dominated by land holdings. Further down the valley in the Stocksbridge area the more traditional broadleaf woodlands fall under the responsibility of Sheffield City Council including Fox Glen and Newhall Woods and Pothouse Wood which are owned privately.

Forestry: A separate project has been created for the land around Midhope Reservoir in order to create a nature reserve, in addition Yorkshire Water is working closely with the ‘working 8

with water’ project in Langsett. Therefore the Woodland Heart Gateway 1 plantations included within this project are restricted to Underbank. Work will include:

Conifer to Broadleaf 7.75 hectares of conifer planting to mixed broadleaved woodland (compartments 136a5, 136a7, 136a8, 136a12, 136a13, 136a14, 136a15). HLF Contribution £0

Restructure and thinning to conservation conifer and broadleaf woodland Create three felling coups to manage the woodland using continuous cover techniques. Complimentary planting of mixed broadleaved species; cherry, sweet chestnut, lime, Sessile oak, field maple, hawthorn, holly. (Compartments 135a3, 137a1). HLF Contribution £0

Veteran trees Identify and protect veteran and significant trees.

Broadleaf: In terms of the Woodland Heart project the priorities for spend with be in terms of ‘adding value’ to ancient and semi-natural woodlands all 5 woodlands listed will also be managed to improve certain woodland bird species like Willow Tit and Flycatchers. Improvements in Broadleaved Woodlands will be carried out by the Steel Valley Project and these are described in project 7a Woodland Heart Broadleaf woodland management.

9

WOODLAND GATEWAY 2- Ewden Valley

The Ewden Valley is one of the quieter valleys in the Lakeland area of Sheffield dominated by Broomhead and More Hall reservoirs. Blocks of conifer forests were planted around 70 years ago to create a landscape which complimented the water companies’ objectives to supply Sheffield with clean water. The vast majority of plantations are under the management of Sheffield City Council with Yorkshire Water managing strips of planting around the reservoir. All the compartments are included in Forestry Commission funded Design Plans and both landowners have Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation.

Economy of scale and added Value As part of the forestry operations around three will be a need to create a stacking area. This cannot be funded by HLF but as there is demand for car parking in this area we propose to convert the stacking are to a parking area, top dress surface, construct and entrance and information point. HLF contribution £21,000

Impacting the commercial crop through diversification and resilience Areas (Compartments 2, 4, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15) have been identified where buffer strips and planting adjacent to stream courses would improve bio-diversity and ensure the landscape remains resilient to climate change and water collection objectives. Removal of species like Larch may reduce the impact and spread of Phytopthora. Future planting of more resilient trees will also be carried out. HLF contribution £6,000

Conifer to Broadleaf A number of ‘uneconomic blocks’ of conifer that could be transformed to more broadleaved woodlands which improve bio-diversity and recreational potential have been identified (Compartments 09a,b,d, 11b,c,d). This will be to the Eastern end of More Hall reservoir adjacent to the Wildlife Trusts nature reserve at Carr House Meadows and around the Raynor Clough area. HLF contribution £12,000

10

WOODLAND GATEWAY 3- Agden and Dale Dyke

The Agden and Dale Dyke part of the Lakeland area offer a unique landscape for quiet recreation centred around the nature reserve at . The woodland and forestry plantations are under the ownership of Sheffield City Council with Yorkshire Water managing strips around the reservoir. Agden Reservoir Nature Reserve is managed through a lease from Yorkshire Water to the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust.

As part of the SCC Forest Design Plan a decision has been made to move conifer plantations over to a more mixed continuous cover management approach with a focus on broadleaves.

Several commercial blocks will be retained however there are a number of Plantations on Ancient Woodland sites (PAWS) which will be moved toward to the traditional clough woodlands which is a key objective of the landscape partnership for this area.

Due to the bio-diverse nature of the reservoir and its surrounding catchment the focus for the area is nature conservation and quiet recreation. The nearby Dow House Plantation will also be restored to broadleaf woodland.

Conifer to Broadleaf During this LCAP two uneconomic blocks of conifer that will be transformed to more broadleaved woodlands which improve bio-diversity and recreational potential have been identified (Compartments 21a, 26a). This will be to the Eastern side of 11

Agden reservoir at Rocher End and Windy Bank adjacent to the Wildlife Trusts nature reserve HLF contribution £12,000

Impacting the commercial crop through diversification and resilience Areas (Compartments 146a2, 146a4, 149a10) have been identified where buffer strips and planting adjacent to stream courses will improve biodiversity and ensure the landscape remains resilient to climate change and water collection objectives. HLF contribution £6,550

WOODLAND GATEWAY 4 - Redmires, Wyming Brook and Rivelin

The overarching aim for our woodland and forestry vision is to create a single, cohesive management regime for Rivelin. This project presents a range of forestry and woodland management issues around access on steep slopes and weak bridges and limited opportunities for stacking areas.

This part of the Lakeland area offers a mixed range of forest, woodland and heathland habitats and recreational opportunities which requires careful management. Land management is shared between Sheffield City Council mainly at Redmires and the lower Rivelin Valley, Yorkshire Water at Rivelin and Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust at Wyming Brook and Fox Hagg.

12

In terms of forest and woodland management the focus for SCC is around Redmires Camp and Rivelin Valley. While for SRWT it is Wyming Brook and Fox Hagg and Yorkshire Water is , several small compartments require management at Rivelin for SCC.

One key project is works in the Redmires Camp site of a former Second World War Prisoner of War Camp. This links into several other interrelated projects around dry stone walling heritage and interpretation.

Economy of scale and added value There is potential for getting ‘added value’ from Heritage Lottery Funding in terms of communications and information, access improvements and interpretation. HLF contribution £20,000

Conifer to Broadleaf and creating Heritage Stands A number of blocks of conifer (Compartments 158a,2,3, 52a,b, 590) that could be transformed to heritage stands and broadleaved woodlands which improve bio-diversity and recreational potential have been identified. This will be to the North and South of Rivelin reservoir and Redmires Camp to the east of Redmires reservoir HLF contribution £126,700

Impacting the commercial crop through diversification and resilience Areas (Compartments 588, 178a-190a, 589,a,b,c,e) have been identified where buffer strips and planting adjacent to stream courses would improve biodiversity and ensure the landscape remains resilient to climate change and water collection objectives. HLF contribution £32,250

13

Skyline or bridging Around Agden reservoir and across the Rivelin site there are areas of extremely steep conifer plantations which are included in the works descriptions above. At present it is not possible to determine the exact method of timber extraction for these sites as this is partially dependent upon weather conditions. As such three is a budget of £10,000 set aside for the hire of specialist plant (bridging or skylining equipment) HLF contribution £10,000

Supporting documents SCC - Forest Design Plans Yorkshire Water Design Plans Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust Management Plans Consultants reports from Ian Kennedy and Alastair Williston Fountains veteran tree survey Adapting England's woodlands to be more resilient - https://www.forestry.gov.uk/england-resilience

Tool to plan for woodland resilience - https://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/beeh-apshfk

Natural England’s Strategic Direction - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system /uploads/attachment_data/file/432726/ne-strategic- direction.pdf Other partners and Steel Valley Project Stocksbridge organisations directly engaged Rivelin Valley Conservation Group in delivering the project Archaeology Service (and partners) Contractors and partners delivering Supporting Species Other organisations benefitting Bradfield Parish Council or taking part in your project or Wadsley and Loxley Commoners key target audience Members of the Sheffield Local Access Forum (ramblers , horse riders ,cyclists etc) How does the project contribute to our vision?

The project contributes to a major part of the vision of the landscape partnership; it will bring together the main forest and woodland owners to bring synergy and a holistic approach to forest and woodland management. The project will build resilience through new planting of broadleaf woodlands and improve access opportunities. Strategic fit The Lawton Report – (importance of managing on a landscape scale / connectivity / buffers/ stepping stones and corridors) The Paris Agreement – Climate Action Contribute to the Water Framework Directive- Increased areas of broadleaved planting and improved margins and watercourses will be planted and additional tree planting will all help to improve water quality and store flood water The Sheffield Waterways Strategy – City of Rivers 14

The Outdoor City Strategy- Has identified a number of ‘Gateways’ in the Lakeland area. Access and recreation opportunities which will be improved in these areas as part of the Lakeland Project Protecting Sheffield from Flooding Project- Looking at the role that Natural Flood Management can play in the Lakeland area UKWAS –United Kingdom Woodland Assurance Scheme All the major landowners are accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council and comply with UKWAS standards Forestry Commission-The Lakeland Project will contribute greatly to the Forestry Commissions policy

‘England’s trees, woods and forests are a vital national asset providing multiple economic, social and environmental benefits.

Our objective is to enable the forestry sector to protect, improve and expand this asset so that these benefits can be maximised now and maintained for the future. Our forestry policy is therefore based on resilience.

This means a forestry sector and woodland resource that keeps growing and providing these multiple benefits, despite threats such as pests and diseases and climate change, without requiring more government intervention’.

Identify how your project meets one or more of the SLLP programme objectives 1. A more connected and A better managed woodland and forestry estate will put it in a resilient landscape. far more stronger position to stand up to the challenges of threats to bio-security and climate change. Unproductive forestry compartments will be transformed to more bio- diverse broadleaved blocks 2. Bigger, better and more The holistic management of the woodland and forestry will joined up natural environment complement the other strands of the Lakeland bid by including for people and wildlife. improvements where appropriate for recreation balanced with the need to protect vulnerable and sensitive sites. The access gateways areas compliment the 4 woodland gateway areas and each will have it’s own small scale plan for resolving the multiple objectives of the project including forestry , woodland and habitat management , recreation , conservation and heritage 3. Better recorded and valued All woodland and forestry sites which will be subjected to cultural heritage celebrated by management works will have a level of recording in terms of local people and visitors. ecology, archaeology and from a recreational perspective. Dry stone walls will also be restored in many sites and art and story telling will bring the cultural heritage side, for example Redmires Camp 4. Better understanding of local A vision for woodlands in the Landscape will be created, this heritage with more people will be supported by a range of practical interventions that helping look after it – a demonstrate the vision developing. landscape for all to learn about, The adaptation and inclusion of management for key species, value, experience and enjoy. Goshawk, bats (as a group), nightjar, water vole will help people better understand the relationship between the wildlife they want to see and the management of landscape. 15

The archaeological and heritage projects will draw from each of the gateway areas and local heritage will be safeguarded and promoted appropriately. Local groups will be better engaged. HLF priorities met (quantitative and/or qualitative and which can be directly measured) Cross reference with the HLF Monitoring Spreadsheet. Outputs for heritage

Which aspect of heritage will be: - better managed 4 square kilometres of forestry and woodland (the entirety of SCC, YW and SRWT woodland sites considered here?) will have one cohesive management in place

- in better condition 36 Ha of Forest Compartments will be converted to broadleaf woodland 50 Ha of broadleaf planting will occur as part of forestry resilience work

- identified and recorded 40 veteran or notable tree recorded and protected Other recording and survey work will be carried out through the supporting species programme. Outputs for people How many people will have: - developed skills - - learned about heritage - volunteered their time Outcomes for communities

- Negative environmental This project involves a significant move of emphasis for forestry impacts will be reduced management from commercial crop to conservation value:  Nearly 90 ha of forestry and woodland will be managed for the environment rather than gain  A coordinated forestry plan, initiated during the 2018- 23 programme and continuing through the 2023-50 plan will result in reduced duplication of effort and damage to the environment. - more people and a The Sheffield Lakeland forestry and woodland vision will be wider range of people used to reach out to other landowner managers to help will have engaged with encourage them to also coordinate their woodland heritage management. - your local Creating a vision and management plan for the entire area/community will be woodland/forestry estate will result in a better understanding a better place to live, of our landscape, much of the estate is open to the public and work and visit this project will create more attractive places to visit. It will also result in a clearer message as to what woodlands and forests are accessible for what reason and why access is discouraged in others. Consents required In place Y / N / NA From public bodies Forestry design plans have been approved by statutory bodies. There will be a requirement for additional agreements for stacking areas etc. 16

Planning permission The partnership does not believe planning permission will be required for any described works. 3rd party landowner agreements NA Other NA

Budget headlines Percentage

HLF Funds required £269,500 66% Partnership / match funding £ £70,000 YW 34% secured £70,000 SCC Volunteer contribution £0 % In-kind contribution %

Total £409,500 100 Location Map (where will your project happen)

Map 1. Standard SLLP map locating gateways

Photographs

Rivelin. Clearfell of low biodiversity conifers

Commercial forestry operations will continue but will be better coordinated and the needs of sensitive species, people and the landscape will be taken into account.

17

Rivelin river. Thinning and clearfell to support restoration of semi-natural broadleaf and mixed woodlands throughout the Sheffield Lakeland

Rivelin. Transforming the woodlands of the Sheffield Lakelands while retaining the landscape excitement.

18

Clearfell with broadleaf replanting

Commercial forestry will retain mosaic and offer important habitats

19

Post clearfell resilience planting will be native broadleaf with nfm measures

20

Resilience felling of conifer along streams to be replanted with native broadleafs

Non-commercial forestry and woodland areas will have ‘community woodland’ management plans.

21

We will inform people not only of the benefit of forestry and woodlands but of the differing needs and opportunities we will be creating.

(example from Churnet Valley). We will create a Sheffield Lakeland Woodland Vision, supported by a combined management prescription and design plan 2023 2050.

Demonstrate links / cross-fertilisation to at least 2 other projects

The Woodland Heart Project overlaps with multiple other projects including;- Gateways to the Landscape- A significant amount of public access improvements will achieved Restoring the Lattice- A significant length of drystone wall will be repaired 22

The Hidden History- Stories will be explored and linked to the heritage of the river valleys in terms of the mills that powered the industrial revolution and the camps erected at Redmires for the 1st and 2nd World Wars The supporting species project will contribute valuable knowledge to inform forestry management in the Lakelands. We have a wide range of habitat improvement projects, including; wildlife sites, nature reserves, supporting local groups and working with water, between them we are creating a joined up landscape. Cross Cutting Themes (Golden Threads) Please note, or reference from previous text, how you will contribute to or work with the following: 1. Priority species recovery This project will be directed and managed in order to maximise the restoration of Goshawk in the Sheffield Lakelands. 2. Telling local stories

3. Digital landscape (i.e. using technology)

4. Monitoring and evaluation The success of this project beyond 2023 will be a key outcome from the existing LCAP and will form part of the measurement regarding legacy. 5. Evidencing ecosystem services 6. Community engagement 7. Communicating the good work of the Heritage Lottery Fund, and potentially other supporters. This is a flagship project for SLLP, how we explain out goals and achievements regarding this project will be an opportunity to demonstrate the value of HLF as a landscape driver for change. Biosecurity / Confidentiality Each partner will require biosecurity procedures but as most sites in this project will already have public access these will be quite low-key. Legacy and long-term The sustainable woodland management plan 2023-50 is a key management implications M&E outcome for this entire programme (2018-23). Partner’s Environmental Policy Supplied elsewhere for each partner.

Risks After investing in excess of £200,000 the HLF does not see the creation of a sustainable approach to woodland management by the partnership that not only results in long-term biodiversity and community leisure gains but also creates the basis for a financially self-sustaining project for continued partnership management in the Lakelands. This will reflect very poorly upon the record of participating partners. We will manage this by working throughout the LCAP Period 2018-23 toward a vision and business model.

All work will be subject to the necessary approvals of statuary bodies and compliance checks. Therefore there is some slight risk as we will be reliant on other agencies eg. Forestry Commission and planning permission in the PDNPA for access routes etc. To mitigate the second element (Planning 23

Permission) no work requiring PP will be carried out in year one with the PDNPA engaged from an early stage in design and delivery plans for works requiring PP from the outset. Climate Change This is a classic ‘climate mitigation and adaptation project: We are looking to connect and improve habitats in order to permit the better movement of species (both N/S and lowland/highland), which we will be able to evaluate through our bat project. The planting of currently limited species conifer forestry with a wider variety of species will create more robust and resilient woodlands better able as a unit to withstand changes resulting from climate change.

SLLP Project Development Pro Forma

Name of Project Woodland Heart (Steel Valley Project elements)

Photograph (key image) Sponsoring partner organisation & The project will be run by the Steel Valley Project and main contact overseen by Sheffield City Council Parks & Countryside who own the land and are a strategic partner in the SLLP.

150 word summary Sheffield City Council broadleaf woodlands in the Upper Don Valley provide a space for recreation, enabling the community to gain associated health benefits, as well as proving a place for wildlife to thrive in a mosaic of steep wooded river valleys or cloughs. This project aims to improve selected SCC woodlands for wildlife, enable easier and wider public access, as well as interpreting the heritage of these varied woodland sites. The project will involve work which will mainly be carried out by volunteers under the guidance, support and training of SVP staff. Community involvement will be key to safeguarding these sites for the future and this project will aim to provide a lasting legacy of infrastructure, wildlife habitats and interpretation, which will help people to engage with these woodlands.

Full project description Birks Wood Birks Wood is a small ancient woodland situated in Oughtibridge off Birch Grove. There is an informal circular signed route through the wood, however this traverses the natural terrain and is difficult to negotiate.

The proposed work consists of access improvements: taking the current 500 metre long informal route and surfacing it and constructing boardwalks across the wettest areas of path to enable safe an easy access for a wider range of users. This work would be carried out using match funding from Section 106 funds.

There is a waterlogged area near the entrance to the site, which would be excavated to create a pond. A pond dipping platform would be installed to enable local schools (particularly Oughtibridge Primary School) to use the site for environmental education sessions.

Glen Howe Park Glen Howe has a fascinating history and was used in the late 1800s as a destination to bring children from the city to take in the countryside and pleasure gardens. It was gifted to the people of Sheffield in 1917 and has elements of both a Victorian parkland and ancient woodland site, with the edges between the two becoming indistinct over the years.

The project would create a new pond to provide increased habitat diversity. This will also have added natural flood management outcomes, slowing the flow of water into the Upper Don catchment.

The Grade II listed packhorse bridge which was re-located from More Hall during the construction of the reservoir, will be interpreted through an on-site interpretation panel. Stocksbridge History Society and SVP will provide archive information to contribute towards its design. Invasive species on the site- rhododendron and holly would be managed to provide a more natural habitat with increased ground flora and species diversity whilst retaining the areas of Victorian planting, which give the site its unique character.

Pot House Wood Pot House Wood, named from the nearby, long converted to housing, Glass works, is an ancient woodland adjacent to Stocksbridge Nursery & Infant School.

SVP has been improving willow tit habitat on the site as part of a previous project. This project will include work to

link two of the previous project sites- Pot House Wood and New Hall Wood, to assist movement and dispersal of this red listed bird species.

Invasive species on the site- Himalayan Balsam and Japanese knotweed would be cleared, improving ground flora diversity and priority habitat for willow tit around areas of willow carr woodland.

Woodland management would be undertaken to remove larch and ash, allowing natural regeneration of the ground flora and native tree species to occur, increasing biodiversity and extending suitable willow tit habitat.

New Hall Wood New Hall Wood is an ancient woodland site, with a public park adjoining it. It was gifted to the people of Stocksbridge by Thomas Oxley, a fruit farmer for the purposes of a public park.

The project is supported by the recent stakeholder and public consultation work carried out by Sheffield University, which has outlined a future vision for the park, including infrastructure improvements, which will be undertaken as part of this project.

Improvements to the path network would be carried out, including the surfacing of 500 meters of footpath and the installation of steps on steep slopes to improve access. Fencing would also be installed to prevent access where required adjacent to the new route. Two new ‘Run Routes’ would be created, with way-marking, trail head interpretation and online marketing and information through the Outdoor City website. Four benches would be installed to provide resting points for both runners and other users of the park and woodland, improving accessibility to those with mobility difficulties. The access improvements would be funded by Section 106 funding in conjunction with HLF funds.

A community orchard would be planted, involving members of the local community in tree planting activities supervised by SVP and assisted by SVP volunteers. An interpretation panel and bench would be constructed close to the orchard, allowing visitors to learn about the history of the site as a fruit farm. Stocksbridge History Society would help to provide information for the interpretation panel, including archive photos of the fruit farm.

The site is home to willow tits and SVP would improve habitat connectivity between New Hall Wood and Pot

House Wood, providing suitable habitat through tree management and planting, improving wildlife corridors.

Supporting documents SCC woodland management plans Sheffield Live- Oxley Park Vision Stocksbridge History Society archive documents

Other partners and organisations Sheffield City Council will be overseeing the work that is directly engaged in delivering the carried out by SVP and will have management responsibility project after the delivery of the project is complete.

Stocksbridge History Society will contribute towards the historical information to be used in the production of the on-site interpretation.

Other organisations benefitting or Stocksbridge Leisure Centre will help to involve members of taking part in your project or key the local community in Oxley Park and the projects there, target audience particularly the community orchard and ‘Run Routes’.

Local schools will benefit from the access work and creation of the pond and dipping platform due to be installed in Birks Wood, allowing them to carry out environmental education sessions.

How does the project contribute to our vision? “A wilder, more natural and resilient landscape of native clough woodland, descending down from the moorland slopes to the reservoirs, streams and farmlands below, alive to the sound of curlews and lapwings, and crossed by a lattice work of drystone walls and accessible paths and bye-ways. A landscape that provides clean air and water, supports wildlife, helps to reduce flooding and improves peoples’ health & wellbeing. A landscape for everyone to value, enjoy, understand – and feel part of.

The project focuses around broadleaf clough woodlands which will be made more resilient through improved vegetation composition, including the removal of non-native invasive species and species susceptible to disease, such as ash and larch.

The project will make a huge step forward in improving access to the Sheffield City Council woodlands in the Upper Don valley through the surfacing of footpaths, way-marking and marketing of two new run routes.

The project will improve the woodlands sites’ ability to support wildlife through careful habitat management, including the red listed willow tit.

Natural flood management will be improved with the creation of two new ponds, increasing water storage on these sites and slowing the flow back into the Don catchment, working towards reducing peak flows on a small scale but in synergy with the wider NFM work planned in the SLLP.

The practical work that will be carried out will enable many volunteering opportunities, engaging the local community in woodland management and contributing towards improved health outcomes for

project participants.

Strategic fit

The Lawton Report – improving habitat connectivity between two woodland sites for willow tits.

The Outdoor City Strategy 2015- ‘Infrastructure to support a quality experience’- this project will contribute towards improved infrastructure to enable access to the outdoors, including 2 new ‘run routes which will be promoted through the Outdoor City website.

The Move More Plan 2015- ‘Empowered Communities’ and ‘active environments’- this project will engage volunteers in their environment encouraging them to be active in the outdoors and involve in woodland management, leading to positive health outcomes.

Green and Open Space Strategy 2010- ‘Green connections for people and wildlife’- this project will contribute towards improved habitat connectivity between lowland and upland habitats and provide improved access for people.

Contribute to the Water Framework Directive, The Sheffield Waterways Strategy – City of Rivers, Protecting Sheffield from Flooding Project- This project will contribute towards natural flood management through the creation of new ponds, with the capacity to slow the flow of water into the Don catchment.

How does your project contribute to our combined statement of significance? The steep wooded broadleaf woodlands, which this project will work to improve, not only provide an essential connection from the River Don in the lowlands to the moorland uplands, but also a connection to our industrial and cultural past, having often been preserved from development due to their inaccessible topography.

This project will engage the local community with these green corridors and their history, improving access to it, providing important recreation space and learning about the wildlife they are home to and techniques to manage it for the future, whilst mitigating threats to it from both invasive species and climate change.

Identify how your project meets one or more of the SLLP programme objectives 1. A more connected and resilient Improved connections between woodland sites and landscape. increased capacity for flood resilience. 2. Bigger, better and more joined up Improved public access and woodland habitats. natural environment for people and wildlife. 3. Better recorded and valued cultural Better understood heritage through work with the local heritage celebrated by local people history society and engagement of the community through and visitors. volunteering. 4. Better understanding of local Better interpreted features, allowing visitors to learn about heritage with more people helping the heritage of their woodlands and more opportunities for look after it – a landscape for all to volunteering and recreation. learn about, value, experience and enjoy. HLF priorities met (quantitative and/or qualitative and which can be directly measured) Cross reference with the HLF Monitoring Spreadsheet.

Outputs for heritage Which aspect of heritage will be: - better managed - 4 broadleaf woodlands will be improved - 2 new ponds created - 18 metres of fencing will be installed - - in better condition - 1,000 metres of footpath will be improved - - identified and recorded - 2 new interpretation panels for heritage - 1 new interpretation panel for recreation - 1 Grade II listed structure interpreted - 1 website will be improved

Outputs for people How many people will have: - developed skills 20 - received training – certified, 5 certified, 20 uncertified uncertified - learned about heritage 20 - volunteered their time 20 Outcomes for communities

- Negative environmental Natural flood management will be improved, with impacts will be reduced woodlands being more resilient to flooding and slowing the flow of water into the Don catchment.

- more people and a wider 20 volunteers will have engaged with woodland range of people will have management, learning new skills and about the wildlife and engaged with heritage history of the sites.

- your local area/community Access to woodlands will be improved with 2 new run will be a better place to live, routes constructed, way-marked and promoted. work and visit Woodlands will be better managed for people and wildlife.

Consents required In place Y / N From public bodies Y, Sheffield City Council are a strategic partner in the SLLP. 3rd party landowner agreements N Other N

Budget headlines Percentage

HLF Funds required £30,000 55% Partnership / match funding £ secured £16,860 31% Match funding from Section 106 agreements for Birks Wood and New Hall Wood Volunteer contribution Labour £50p- £5,000 14% Skilled £150pd- £3,000 Professional £350pd

In-kind contribution 0%

Total £54,860 100 Location Map (where will your project happen)

Birks Wood- SK 30738 92873 Glen Howe- SK 29268 94269 Pot House Wood- SK 26407 98078 New Hall Wood- SK 25909 98385

Photographs

Birks Wood, where access will be significantly improved on this currently challenging site.

The Grade II listed pack horse bridge at Glen Howe Park has a fascinating story which will be told through on-site interpretation.

Ideal willow tit habitat in Pot House Wood. Links between willow tit habitat in Pot House Wood and New Hall Wood will improve habitat connectivity for this severely declined species.

Informal routes will be improved and formalised, developing two new ‘Run Routes’ to be constructed, way-marked and promoted through the Outdoor City website.

Demonstrate links / cross-fertilisation to at least 2 other projects

Woodland Heart- This project is part of a wider programme of SCC woodland projects and will contribute to the overall better management, access and biodiversity of the SCC woodland estate within the SLLP project area.

Natural Flood Management- Through the construction of new ponds, the project will contribute towards and compliment the NFM project, slowing the flow of water into the Upper Don catchment and contribute towards flood mitigation.

Priority Species Recovery- The willow tit is a severely declining species, with a population in the project area. It is key to safeguard this population of this red listed species and targeted habitat management and linking of habitat through the management of wildlife corridors will be a key part of this project.

Hidden history- The archaeology of the project sites is varied and it is hoped that more can be discovered about the woodlands past, which may inform the Woodland Heart project and how it is progressed. The project includes heritage interpretation, including information on a Grade II listed bridge.

Cross Cutting Themes (Golden Threads) Please note, or reference from previous text, how you will contribute to or work with the following:

1. Priority species recovery Willow tit habitat will be improved and connectivity increased. 2. Telling local stories Interpretation for the Glen Howe Park bridge and the Oxley Park fruit farm will tell these fascinating local stories. 3. Digital landscape (i.e. using technology) The two new run routes in Oxley Park will include online information on the Outdoor City website. 4. Monitoring and evaluation Feedback will be sought from volunteers who participate in the project to assess their engagement. 5. Evidencing ecosystem services Natural flood management outcomes will be derived from the installation of new ponds. Woodland management will enable plants and trees to provide carbon sequestration and clean air. 6. Community engagement Volunteers will be engaged throughout the practical projects and members of the community will be involved in planting the community orchard at Oxley Park. On site interpretation and marketing will further engage the community. 7. Communicating the good work of the Heritage Lottery Fund, and potentially other supporters. SVP website, the Outdoor City website, social media and local press will all be utilised to promote the project.

Biosecurity / Confidentiality When undertaking practical work, SVP staff, volunteers and contractors will clean PPE and equipment to prevent the transfer of diseases, spores and seeds to contain potential biohazards.

Legacy and long-term management Legal and agreements implications N/A

Operational Sheffield City Council are the landowner and will maintain the features that will be built during the course of the project.

Strategic The project will create better infrastructure for members of the public to be able to enjoy recreation in SCC woodlands. Sites will be better understood by members of the community and they will have been able to contribute to their management, giving them a sense of ownership.

Partner’s Environmental Policy Steel Valley Project’s Environmental Policy is attached.

Risks Lack of volunteer support- this will be mitigated by SVPs volunteer recruitment and support, including providing transportation for volunteers to this remote site.

Section 106 funding not being secured- the planning gain

funding has not yet been secured and if this was not won, it would impact on the work delivered in Birks Wood and New Hall Wood/ Oxley Park. This can be mitigated by developing a robust project proposal and securing HLF match funding to increase the outputs and outcomes of the project.

Climate Change Natural flood management outcomes will be derived from the installation of new ponds, mitigating against extreme flood events. Woodland management will enable plants and trees to provide carbon sequestration and clean air. Effective woodland management and the improvement of wildlife corridors from lowland habitats to upland habitats will enable species to be more resilient to climate change.