16. A landscape for everyone to enjoy

Volunteers improving accessibility, replacing a stile with a kissing gate Sponsoring partner SRWT, PDNPA, SCC RoW, SVP, Walkers are Welcome , Water A project around improving accessibility to our Landscape heritage. A detailed assessment of access and barriers to access was carried out on our behalf by the Outdoor Recreation research Group (ORRG). This has driven the physical access and information elements of this project. Physical work to help people access out heritage will be delivered by a range of partners and will include:  Improvements to our PRoW network at key locations; Redmires, Loxley Valley and between the reservoirs of and Midhope.  The creation of a ‘multi-ability’ easy walk around .  Restoration of a traditional pack horse route across the moors to Cutgate path.  Improvements to nature reserve access and facilities to help more people discover these special places.

Full project description Projects with separate descriptions

16a. Access to Heritage Steel valley Project £54,000

16b. Langsett Path £100,000

16c. Restoration of North America Path Moors For The Future £58,000

16d. Enjoying Lakeland Nature Reserves and Rotherham Wildlife Trust £40,000

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.

Our vision is inclusive, these project will help more people enjoy and learn about our landscape heritage.

SLLP Project Development Pro Forma

Name of Project 16a. Access to Heritage Photograph (key image)

Sponsoring partner organisation & The project will be run by the Steel Valley Project in close main contact collaboration with Sheffield City Council Public Rights of Way, who manage footpaths, bridleways and byways in the SLLP project area.

150 word summary The project will improve access to key gateways and routes in the SLLP area at Redmires, Loxley Valley and Langsett, to help a wide range of people experience the unique heritage of this area.

The public rights of way that will be improved as part of this project have been identified through the Access & Gateways consultancy project, which included significant public consultation. SLLP partners, landowners and statutory organisations have been involved in the project development to ensure a joined up approach to access to heritage, identifying priorities accordingly.

Barriers to access have been identified during site condition surveys and work will be carried out to remove or improve these, increasing access to a range of landscape heritage features.

Steel Valley Project will carry out the work with their team of volunteers, giving members of the local community the opportunity to be involved in practical access improvement work.

Full project description Redmires

There is a wealth of natural, social and built heritage around this upland reservoir. With SSI moorlands, gritstone outcrops and waterways that provide homes for some of Sheffield’s iconic and protected species and have played their role in human history throughout the ages.

Access here is via an extensive network of paths, including a flat, level and well- surfaced ‘easy going trail’ which follows a conduit which is home to protected water voles.

Improvements to the footpath link between the end of the easy going trail and the Sheffield City Council car park at Redmires has been identified as key to accessing the WWI trenches on ‘Hill 60’, used for army training alongside the SSI moorland. The moorland has been damaged and eroded by walkers leaving the path due the very boggy conditions found under foot on the current path.

The following improvements would be made utilising Steel Valley Project staff, volunteers and where necessary contractors.

- Improve links from the Redmires car park to Redmires Road and the public footpath to the north. - Re-surface the 30 metre section of path between the car park and the public footpath, either side of the sleeper bridge to 1.2 metres in width. - Replace the gate post on the latch side and reconnect the timber rails. - Install 40 metres of stone pitching on the eroded steep path. - Remove the stile and install a 1.2 metre wide wooden gate to increase access. - Install 15 metres of stone pitching on the braided muddy section of path. - Install 30 metres of stone flagging across the water-logged area.

Loxley Valley

The River Loxley’s fast flowing waters have provided water power for centuries and evidence of the valley’s industrial history can be seen right along its length with numerous dams still in existence.

The Loxley Valley was at the epicentre of the Great Sheffield Flood in 1864 when Dale Dyke dam failed, spewing water down the valley leading to the loss of 17 lives.

The valley has an extensive network of paths and the ‘Loxley Valley Walk’ runs from Malin Bridge up to , passing closely by much of the valley’s industrial heritage on the way.

Improvements to some sections of this path have been identified as key to removing barriers to access and improving some sections of the route to provide consistent surfacing. This will encourage more people to use the route in its entirety, enabling them to access the rich industrial heritage of the valley.

The following improvements would be made utilising Steel Valley Project staff, volunteers and where necessary contractors.

- Remove steel beams and install a steel gate, which allows a wider range of users to access the path. - Install 160 metres at 3 metres in width of aggregate to create a level, well-draining surface on a section of muddy path. - Upgrade of wooden chicane to allow all permitted users to access the public footpath whilst ensuring others cannot access it easily. - Install 365 metres at 1.5 metres in width of aggregate to create a level, well-draining surface on a section of muddy and narrowed path, in addition to improving the stability of the path alongside the mill pond. - Install 160 metres at 3 metres in width of aggregate to create a level, well-draining surface on a muddy section of path. - Remove a section of stone wall and install a steel gate to enable a wider range of users to access the path.

Langsett

Langsett is Sheffield’s largest reservoir and nestles high above Stockbridge amongst moorland, woodland and farmland on the edge of the .

There is a wealth of heritage here, with the SSSI moorlands alongside recent WWII history, including an abandoned farm that was used for tank target practice!

There are numerous paths around Langsett reservoir and a path that provides a link between Langsett and the road leading to Midhopestones, part of the Friends of the Peak District Boundary Walk, has been identified as a priority for improvements.

The following improvements would be made utilising Steel Valley Project staff, volunteers and where necessary contractors.

- Install 20 metres at 1.2 metres in width of aggregate to create a level, well-draining surface on this section of water-logged and eroded path.

Supporting documents Access and Gateways to the Landscape Appraisal, SHU ORRG, 2018 Loxley Valley Design Statement, Loxley Valley Design Group, 2003 Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan, SCC, 2007

Other partners and organisations Sheffield City Council Public Rights of Way directly engaged in delivering the project Other organisations benefitting or Walkers Are Welcome, Bradfield Walkers taking part in your project or key Are Welcome & Sheffield Local Access Forum target audience 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 will help to improve members of the public’s access to this historic landscape. The work will also prevent erosion and degradation of the adjoining habitats, areas of which are SSSI.

Strategic fit

The Outdoor City Strategy 2015- ‘Infrastructure to support a quality experience’- this project will contribute towards improved infrastructure to enable access to the outdoors.

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 leading to positive health outcomes.

Green and Open Space Strategy 2010- ‘Green connections for people and wildlife’- this project will provide improved access for people.

The Peak District, Dark Peak (Yorkshire Fringe) Strategy 2009- ‘Opportunities should be sought to improve recreational facilities and opportunities within the area, without affecting the landscape character’ This project will significantly improve recreational facilities in a strategic and well researched way to maximise positive impacts and minimise negative impact on the surrounding landscape.

How does your project contribute to our combined statement of significance? This project will see work carried out on both the dramatic, open moorlands and the steep wooded broadleaf woodlands, which provide so much of the character of this unique area, alongside the reservoirs. These landscapes 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 unique landscapes and their history, improving access to it, providing important recreation space and opportunities to learn about techniques to manage it for the future, whilst mitigating threats to it from increasing pressure from recreation on a public rights of way network that requires new investment for the future to help a wider audience experience and enjoy it.

Identify how your project meets one or more of the SLLP programme objectives 1. A more connected and resilient Public rights of way will be improved, improving landscape. connections for people and making paths and adjoining habitat more resilient to damage.

2. Bigger, better and more joined up The path network will be more joined up, with some natural environment for people and barriers to access removed or improved and challenging wildlife. sections of routes being made easier to negotiate, therefore more joined up.

3. Better recorded and valued Members of the public will better value the network of cultural heritage celebrated by local rights of way through their increased accessibility people and visitors. allowing easier access for visitors.

This project will run alongside the interpretation project, which will include measures to increase people’s understanding of these routes and allow them to access them more easily and better understand the heritage to which they enable access to.

4. Better understanding of local Volunteers will help to look carry out the practical work heritage with more people helping required to improve these routes, learning about look after it – a landscape for all to countryside skills and the area’s heritage. 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 3 erosion control projects 5 access controls improved for access

- in better condition Improved 0.82 km of existing footpath

- identified and recorded N/A Outputs for people How many people will have: - developed skills 20 - received training – certified, 0 uncertified - learned about heritage 20 - volunteered their time 20 Outcomes for communities

- Negative environmental Public rights of way will be improved, making paths and impacts will be reduced adjoining habitat more resilient to damage.

- more people and a wider People will have the chance to volunteer to improve the range of people will have paths enabling them to learn about the heritage of the engaged with heritage area in which they will be working.

- your local area/community Access will be improved to the sites, enabling a wider will be a better place to live, number of people to enjoy the heritage and wildlife work and visit across the SLLP area.

Consents required In place Y / N From public bodies

Sheffield City Council Public Rights of Way have consented to the proposals. Y

Consent may need to be obtained from Natural on the section of N, may not be SSSI at Redmires if adjoining land needs to be utilised but not for work on required the PROW itself.

3rd party landowner agreements

Storage of materials and equipment on adjoining land holdings may be N, may not be required during the delivery of works. required Other

Budget headlines Percentage

HLF Funds required £49,278 80% Partnership / match funding £ secured £0 0%

Volunteer contribution Labour £50pd- £8300 12% Skilled £150pd- £0 Professional £350pd- £0 Other Cash Contribution £5,000 8% Sheffield City Council (Parks and Countryside) Total £62,578 100 Location Map (where will your project happen)

Redmires SK256856 - SK256867

Loxley Valley SK324894 - SK287904

Langsett SE218003

Photographs

This section of footpath at Redmires is extremely water-logged across a relatively extensive section of footpath, making access difficult and desire lines around the wet area have braided the path, causing erosion and damage to the surrounding grassland and heathland (SSSI). This would be improved using stone flagging to improve access and further damage the surrounding habitat mitigated against.

This steel vehicle barrier is constructed from large steel beams and is a barrier to access for prams, wheelchairs and other users accessing the main route along the Loxley Valley Walk. Removing this barrier will increase access for a wider range of users and access to motorised vehicles will continue to be prevented using a purpose built access control.

Extensive footpath widening on this right of way at Langsett has occurred due to boggy conditions and significant damage has occurred to the adjacent woodland ground flora close to the Upper Don River. Surfacing this footpath will improve access and allow the regeneration of the woodland ground flora to occur and prevent further erosion of soil into the nearby river.

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

Heritage Highways- There is potential for volunteers from both projects to work together to identify and research the history of the routes being improved and to uncover their stories an contribute towards the series of new guided routes.

Hidden History- There is potential to both feed into and benefit from this project, with the potential for new information on the archaeology of the area that may shed light on the wider context of the history of the landscape this project will increase access to.

Audience development- Work needs to be done on the interpretation on and about the routes that this project aims to improve, helping members of the public to engage with and learn about the history of these sites.

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 SSSI habitat will be safeguarded and given the chance to regenerate through the work carried out in this project.

2. Telling local stories People will have the chance to volunteer to improve the paths enabling them to learn about the heritage of the area in which they will be working, as well as improving access to it for the wider public. 3. Digital landscape (i.e. using technology) Information about the improved routes created by this project can be provide through digital media. 4. Monitoring and evaluation Feedback will be sought from volunteers who participate in the project to assess their engagement. 5. Evidencing ecosystem services N/A 6. Community engagement Volunteers will be engaged in the project and will participate in the practical work required to complete the different aspects of the work, this will include informal training. 7. Communicating the good work of the Heritage Lottery Fund, and potentially other supporters. Steel Valley Project will promote this project through its website, social media and local media contacts.

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 Public Rights of Way department will continue to maintain the footpath, bridleway and byway network in line with their statutory duties.

Strategic Volunteers will be engaged in the project and will develop an understanding of the sites and their heritage.

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.

Objections from neighbouring landowners, although Sheffield City Council consent has been gained.

Climate Change The project will contribute towards habitat restoration alongside public rights of way and safeguard routes against future erosion from extreme weather.

SLLP Project Briefs

Name of Project 16b The final step: completion of the Langsett Circuit (permissive path) Photograph (key image)

Countryside stroll, walking Langsett Gateway the northern side of the reservoir. Sponsoring partner Yorkshire Water 150 Word summary Langsett has been identified as a significant ‘Gateway’ to the Sheffield Lakelands and Peak District National Park (PDNP). Many people visit for countryside enjoyment and there is mounting pressure on the countryside arising as a result. With easy car access, good car parking, information, toilet facilities and nearby pub and café this reservoir in particular attracts a wide range of visitors.

The existing initial ‘northern’ walking route offers easy and safe walking around part of the reservoir. Unfortunately the existing southern section around the reservoir involves climbing Cutgate and traversing the environmentally sensitive designated moors, using public rights of way.

This project will complete an easy walking (inclusive) circuit around the reservoir so as wider range of people as possible can visit and enjoy our landscape heritage.

Full project description Etc. Yorkshire Water Langsett Reservoir is a key ‘Gateway’ site for the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership. In addition to being very popular with our local community (Sheffield), and easy access via major roads means that this is the gateway to SLLP that people from further afield mostly use (ORRG 2018). Langsett has a 2x car parks immediately off the main A616 Sheffield to Holmfirth road. On site there are toilets and information and immediately adjacent to the site are a café, and public house. There is a Peak District National Park Ranger service office and base. Langsett is our most outward facing gateway facility.

In line with Yorkshire Water’s access strategy our objective is to develop Langsett as a robust destination for families to enjoy the landscape, countryside peace and tranquillity and heritage of the Sheffield Lakeland. The aim is to provide inclusive access for all with positive designs to support those who have physical disabilities. While mountain biking is an increasingly popular activity in the area, the Landscape Partnership has agreed that as an activity it does not fall within our current plans of funding so this project is purely about walking.

Along the northern section of Langsett reservoir Yorkshire Water has constructed a woodland walk (title image) which runs parallel to the reservoir wall and as far as is practicable remains levels and offers views of the reservoir and the wider countryside whilst enjoying a woodland setting. The route is compressed aggregate of a minimum 1.8m width. With cross drains to keep it dry and retaining walls (timbers) to retain minimal slopes this quality of path is suitable for many users, including those with mobility issues.

This quality of path does not currently go completely around the reservoir. Although there is information at the car park (image 2) there is no opportunity to fully explain what walking conditions people will encounter, and at present the full circuit is more strenuous than early conditions would indicate.

When walkers reach the western end of the reservoir they cross the Little Don river as it enters Langsett reservoir and then ascend Cutgate, an historic track previously restored with the help of HLF. Image 3 shows people climbing that track with the reservoir wall below. Walkers then have to walk out onto the Moorland (SSSI/SPA/SAC) and use Cutgate and part of the North America path to continue along the route (Image 4 & 5). On a busy day you can visit this site and see many people walking the moors in inappropriate clothing, in addition their numbers are causing excessive erosion and the lack of understanding results in dogs running loose and conflict with other users and its environmental designations.

Upon returning to the reservoir at North America farm (ruin used for target practice in WW2) walkers can either walk back out onto the moors to complete the circuit or use the permitted route through ‘Thickwood’ indicated by a yellow line on image 2. This route is permitted by Yorkshire Water but has not been engineered so is basically a very heavily used desire line on natural surface path, image 6. The route is impassable by those using access support like wheelchairs.

This project will complete the Langsett Reservoir Easy Circular Inclusive Walk by creating a new 1.8m wide level aggregate path running adjacent to the south wall of the reservoir. This path will be of the same quality as the northern path, allowing constant and easy walking (inclusive) all the way around this, most popular, reservoir. The route will run through Mauk Royd and Thickwoods as per image 6. (note the cycle route is not part of this project but fits within the wider vision for gateways to the Sheffield Lakeland).

Supporting documents List, format and location Other Partners and Yorkshire Water Organisations directly engaged in delivering the project Other organisations Yorkshire Water, SLLP partners, PDNPA, Experience Community benefitting or taking part in CIC, Natural England, Landowners of Hingcliff Common/North your project or key target America. audience Target audience is those currently using the location for recreation, people with physical disabilities, families, those taking physical exercise for health and wellbeing.

Images

Image 2 the route map in Langsett car park

Image 3. The zig-zag climb up Cutgate above the reservoir wall.

Image 4. North America path

Image 5. North America path erosion from footfall (bridleway)

Image 6. Desire path through Thick Wood

Image 7. The new route

Meet one or more SLLP Programme Area (and how) a more connected and Concentrating on making our gateway sites more user resilient landscape friendly and offering alternatives to less robust places means that we are adding resilience to otherwise fragile parts of the landscape. Of the estimated 200,000 people visiting Langsett for a walk (or a cycle) many do not want to visit the higher moors and a large number of visitors would undoubtedly remain on a woodland walk, this would reduce pressure on the moors considerably. The proposed path will also reduce the assent and descent from the current route giving opportunities for a wider range of people to access the countryside. The use of engineered solutions will reduce the impact on flora and erosion of the area. bigger, better and more joined up natural environment for people and wildlife better recorded and valued cultural heritage celebrated by local people and visitors better understanding of the This more user friendly route and will encourage a wider local heritage with more range of people to visit the area and enjoy/become engaged people helping look after it – in the area. The route will open new areas for those with a landscape for all to learn disabilities. Interpretation will also be part of the project. about, value, experience and enjoy HLF priorities met (quantitative and/or qualitative and which can be directly measured) Outcomes for heritage – heritage will be: better managed Yorkshire Water is a major facilities manager in the area, once they have committed/invested to allowing access via this route they will also commit to maintain the route on their land, this means there will be a ‘managed’ route for the majority of users. At present the local authority is responsible for ‘managing’ the access over the moors which is not in ownership of Yorkshire Water. Interpretation will also be part of the project. in better condition While the route around Langsett reservoir is not a heritage feature, the North America Path is, this project will reduce pressure on that route so help protect it in the future. identified and recorded Outcomes for people – people will have: More opportunity to visit and enjoy the area. developed skills Na learnt about heritage Na volunteered their time Na Outcomes for communities – negative environmental Currently the upland (moors) paths of Cutgate and North America impacts will be reduced are used to circumvent the reservoir, this new route will reduce pressure and damage on these heritage routes and impacts on the environmental designated moors. more people and a wider This route will be promoted as an easy access (inclusive) route, range of people will have engineered for people who have physical disabilities. People will engaged with heritage be encouraged to visit and explore our landscape and heritage (including existing WW2 interpretation) in safety. your local area/community Better safer and more welcoming access for the wider community. will be a better place to live, work and visit Consents required In place Y / N PDNPA Planning Peak District Park Authority planning permission is still required, this is in process with the route design and specification development, prior to planning application. Liaison between Yorkshire Water and the PDNPA and the SLLP and the PDNPA is regular in this area.

Budget headlines Percentage HLF Funds required £20,000 20 Partnership / Match funding £ secured 80 LEADER £80,000 Yorkshire Water Volunteer contribution £ In-kind contribution £ Total £100,000 100 Demonstrate Links / Cross fertilisation to at least 2 other projects In 17c. North America Path, the Moors for the Future team will be restoring and improving parts of the North America path, although the current route around Langsett uses a different northern connecting bridleway (also called north America Path) between Cutgate and North America path reducing pressure on this route will contribute to overall protection of the moorland habitats.

Project 20. Connecting steps aims to engage a wider range of the community, the connecting steps team will organise and run an early event to demonstrate and promote the new easy walking route.

Biosecurity This project will conform to Yorkshire Water biosecurity requirements. Legacy and long-term Yorkshire Water have committed to retaining and as far as is management implications practicable, maintaining this route for a minimum of ten years from the end of the project. How will you monitor outputs and We will report quarterly in line with HLF submission record success agreements, where we will include targets met and not met etc.

In addition we will allot £1,000 from the HLF budget to commission an independent report in line with the SLLP core M&E programme at the end of the project. Partner’s Environmental Attached. Policy Risks No planning permission yet given. This project requires planning permission from the Peak District National Park Authority. This has been requested, together with supporting information on the net environmental, economic and landscape benefits incurred. Should it not be given and it looks like no facility will be allowed this project will have to be removed.

Budget overspend This is large project across difficult ground, until work commences the exact quantities of materials and amount of groundwork required is not certain. Yorkshire Water have appointed project designers to undertake detailed assessments, should the project still go over budget the risk is retained by Yorkshire Water. Climate Change Na

SLLP Project Development Pro Forma

Name of Project 16c. North America Path

North America Path Sponsoring partner Moors for the Future Partnership/ organisation & Peak District National Park Authority main contact 150 word summary Of the four iconic cross moorland paths in the SLLP area: Long Causeway, Duke Road, Cut Gate and North America Path it is the last that has not received significant attention recently. This project will improve the 1.5km of upland bridleway between Cut Gate and Langsett via the abandoned farm at North America. Full project description North America Farm is an abandoned farmstead on the Langsett moors. It was destroyed during the second world war by being used for target practice by tanks on the Midhope tank range. The route forms a smaller circular route with the iconic Cut Gate bridleway, which was a pack horse route across the Pennines and is now an important recreational route, particularly for cyclists.

Work was undertaken on Cut Gate during the Moors For The Future HLF project in 2005, which is very well regarded by local users. This was a key aspect of that project and the current proposed route will improve the quality of this route, which may have been impacted by increased traffic on Cut Gate.

Creating sustainable path surfaces on moorland paths is critical to preventing damage to the adjacent moorland and this route has suffered from that. The route is widening to several metres in many places because the path surface has become bare and eroding peat through erosion of bog vegetation, leading to ruts caused by mountain bike tyres and horse hooves.

As outlined above, It is regularly used by people to create a circular route from the Langsett reservoir, to Cut Gate and back, and is particularly busy during weekends and holidays. The number of visits that it gets is damaging the internationally important blanket bog habitat of the South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation, which the route crosses.

Note all of North America path is in the SLLP area.

Work will include creating a permanent path surface, through a variety of techniques, which will include stone pitched water bars and flagstone path laying but will predominantly be an aggregate reversal technique, using locally sourced material. This will help to create and define one line across the blanket bog, following a full consultation with all user groups. These techniques are all widely used in the Peak District and were used to great effect during the restoration of Cut Gate.

Supporting documents A full outline specification of the route is included as Appendix x Other partners and Whilst the majority of the work will be undertaken by organisations directly engaged contractors, because of the nature of the works required in delivering the project (which will include flying in of certain materials and use of excavators), procured through the Peak District National Park Authority’s Standing Orders, there is the possibility of working with the active user groups in the area, such as Ride Sheffield. This will depend on the results of the wider stakeholder consultation. Other organisations benefitting As discussed, North America is a key route in the use of the or taking part in your project or Langsett area by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Work is key target audience proposed, through a separate crowd-funded project, to higher sections of Cut Gate, together with the continuation of that route onto the National Trust’s land towards the Derwent reservoirs. The work on North America farm, which is a priority route for improvement for Sheffield City Council, will help to make this part of the local path network into a sustainable route. However, whilst their a wider benefits to the improvements on North America, if those other sections do not go ahead, this is a stand-alone project which will significantly benefit the area of the SLLP area. How does the project contribute to our vision?

Strategic fit

The damage which is being caused to the blanket bog habitat by the North America route is a priority under numerous local, national and international strategies.

Protection of land-based carbon is a key priority to enable the UK’s commitments to the Paris Agreement. The land adjacent to the route is a part of the South Pennine Moors SAC (designated under the EU’s Habitat Directive) and restoration of recreational routes within that internationally important site is a key feature (parts 5c and 5e) of the non-statutory Site Improvement Plan (SIP141217). Creating a sustainable path surface will also allow the revegetation of bare and eroding peat on either side of the route (part 1 of the Site Improvement Plan). This is also required as part of the improvements required under UK SSSI legislation. Work on other parts of the Peak District moors has shown that creating a single formal line significantly increases the area of blanket bog habitat that is used by breeding waders, which are a key feature of the South Pennine Moors Special Protection Area under the EU’s Birds Directive. Balancing conservation and recreation are the primary purposes of the Peak District National Park Authority and the improvement to this path supports the current Peak District National Park Corporate and Strategic Management Plans. Improving access to nature, which this project will support for the local area is a key feature of Defra’s 25 Year Environment Plan and the project directly supports three of the UN’s sustainable development goals, which is a government commitment (3, 9, 13 and 15).

Identify how your project meets one or more of the SLLP programme objectives 1. A more connected and resilient landscape. 2. Bigger, better and more joined up natural environment for people and wildlife. 3. Better recorded and valued cultural heritage celebrated by local people and visitors. 4. Better understanding of local The Sheffield Lakeland incorporates the valleys, reservoirs, heritage with more people moorland slopes and moors to the west of Sheffield. Access to helping look after it – a the wildest moors via gateways such as Langsett is important if landscape for all to learn about, people are to better understand the heritage of the area. The value, experience and enjoy. most trodden (and cycled) routes require improvement if they are to cope with increased traffic. HLF priorities met (quantitative and/or qualitative and which can be directly measured) Cross reference with the HLF Monitoring Spreadsheet. Outputs for heritage Here you can enter the numbers that you have identified from the Heritage Lottery M&E spreadsheet. You can include additional outcomes and outputs as well. Which aspect of heritage will be: - better managed - in better condition America path is an historic route of cultural importance, improving its condition will protect it now and for many years to come. - identified and recorded Outputs for people Here you can plan for how many people and which groups will take part and how will the benefit.

How many people will have: - developed skills - received training – certified, uncertified - learned about heritage - volunteered their time Outcomes for communities This section is less likely to have numbers, but it is where you describe the wider benefit. For instance, “The local farming community will be better recognised for the ecosystem services they supply to others.” But remember that you will be asked to describe how this might be measured later. - Negative environmental Erosion on North America path is causing damage to the impacts will be reduced Midhope Moors area of the Moorland Site of Special Scientific Interest. - more people and a Who /how many? wider range of people will have engaged with heritage - your local n/a area/community will be a better place to live, work and visit Consents required In place Y / N From public bodies Sheffield City Council PRoW have given permission for this work, they are Yes match funding the project. Note, they have confirmed that this is non- statutory route improvement capital work. 3rd party landowner agreements. n/a We have confirmed with Sheffield City Public Rights of Way team that all improvement works can be can be carried out without requiring landowner agreement. Other Natural England are required to give consent for access restoration on SSSIs, Not yet. this has not been confirmed yet but there should be no issues as this is not a new track and our improvements will protect and enhance the landscape not detract from it.

Budget headlines Percentage

Using headings from the budget spreadsheet, provide some a short explanation (narrative) about what the figures mean / how they have been arrived at.

HLF Funds required 20,000 35% Partnership / match funding £ secured 38,000 65%

Volunteer contribution % In-kind contribution %

Total £58,000 100

Location Map (where will your project happen)

Photographs

Map of North America Path identifying required work area.

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

The area south of the Langsett Gateway, where people can access and enjoy our landscape is the focus of a number of projects, these include: 17d. Langsett completing the circuit and 5. A new nature reserve at Midhope and 7. Woodland Heart. Improvements to facilitate access and protect this important heritage route will form part of the network of important work the Landscape Partnership is carrying out in the immediate area. This historic route will also show links with 12. Heritage Highways, where we expect the project leads to include information on this path in their work.

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 2. Communicating the good work of the Heritage Lottery Fund, and potentially other supporters. Biosecurity / Confidentiality Moors For The Future will maintain standard biosecurity procedures for this work. However it must be noted that all work carried out will be on a well-used and enjoyed PRoW, therefore there is little to be managed. Legacy and long-term Legal and agreements management implications North America Path is a public bridleway, we are undertaking no work that will require third party or legal agreements around the retention of a facility.

Operational Moors For The Future have extensive experience of upland path restoration and improvement. Our design standards are such as to ensure, as far as is practicable, that the route will not require additional maintenance for 20 years.

Strategic While North America path is a discrete project sitting wholly within the Sheffield Lakeland area it is part of a wider Programme of access restoration and improvement across the Dark Peak, which includes several sections of Cutgate Path.

Partner’s Environmental Policy The Moors for the Future Partnership has three objectives:

1. To raise awareness of why the moors are valuable and to encourage responsible use and care of the landscape 2. To restore and conserve important recreational and natural moorland resources 3. To develop expertise on how to protect and manage the moors sustainably

Risks Failure to secure match funding or budget over runs. Most of the funding is already in place, of the £58,000 required M4TF only need to find £13,000, we are experienced programme managers and are confident to underwrite this ourselves. We

have used existing projects and real costs to ‘calculate’ the cost of restoration.

Climate Change Restoration of eroding PRoWs across our moorlands is one way in which we protect our peatland habitats and work toward restoring these vital carbon sinks. By absorbing carbon to produce peat our moors help us reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases.

AcSLLP Project Development Pro Forma

Name of Project 16d Access Project – SRWT Nature Reserves Photograph (key image)

Credit: Sarah Sidgwick: Wyming Brook.

Sponsoring partner organisation & Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT) main contact Roy Mosley, Head of Conservation and Land Management [email protected] Rob Miller, Living Landscapes Manager (north) [email protected]

150 word summary This is a key project working to achieve the following objectives: 2. Bigger, better and more joined up natural environment for people and wildlife. 4. A better understanding of the local heritage with more people getting involved to help look after it – a landscape for all to learn about, value, experience and enjoy.

The project will improve physical access to SRWT nature reserves allowing visitors a more accessible & enjoyable visit to the SLLP project area whilst retaining the natural

beauty of the local area. It will improve paths and byways enabling people to enjoy, experience and learn about natural heritage which in turn should help improve peoples health and wellbeing in a variety of ways.

Full project description This project will deliver the following objectives:

Wyming Brook:

 Remove x3 A-frames and upgrade with x3 K- frames at key entrances to allow better access for all.  Remove x3 dilapidated horse hops and replace at key entrances.  Remove and replace x2 dilapidated benches.  Improve 15m of footpath adjacent to car park entrance through a combination of stone pitching and natural stone surfacing plus drainage improvements.  Redmires Road car park improvements including resurfacing to repair ongoing potholes, installation of a height barrier to prevent ongoing fly-tipping, resolving drainage issues and replacing natural log vehicle barriers above steep drop.  Scraping off build-up of leaf litter on a boggy 50m section of Wyming Brook drive to reinstate the existing surfacing and excavate small drainage channel adjacent.  Install 35m (across several locations) of stone pitching along the brook path.  Upgrade flight of x25 steps at Rivelin Dam entrance by replacing timber risers and infilling with local natural stone (approx. 30m).

Fox Hagg:

 Installation of 25m stone pitching and associated drainage channels required at numerous boggy locations along this well used desire line running parallel with the River Rivelin.

Carr House Meadows:

 Remove and replace x3 dilapidated ladder styles at x3 entrances to the reserve.  Remove and replace x1 dilapidated kissing gate at entrance to the reserve.

Benefits

Current infrastructure is old and in need of investment to upgrade and refresh. The proposed access improvements should provide a greater visitor experience and enjoyment of these stunning nature reserves enabling people to learn about natural heritage, which will also improve people’s health and wellbeing. Difficult routes will be made easier to use and the upgrading of specific infrastructure should provide access to a greater range of site users than before. One of the project gateway/hubs (TBC?) sites would significantly be improved.

Outputs

 X3 A-frames upgraded to K-frames.  X3 Horse Hops upgraded.  X2 benches upgraded.  X155m of PRoW / Desire line upgraded.  X1 Car park upgraded (resurfacing, drainage improvements, height & vehicle barriers).  X1 Kissing gate upgraded.  X3 Ladder stiles upgraded.

What happens after project?

SRWT will manage and maintain the sites over the long- term supported by external funding schemes where appropriate/available.

Supporting documents Sheffield City Council’s:

 Green and Open Spaces strategy  Outdoor City – theoutdoorcity.co.uk  SLLP Access Consultation report (Access & Gateways to the Landscape Appraisal).

Other partners and organisations Stocksbridge Steel Valley Project. directly engaged in delivering the SCC PRoW Unit. project Yorkshire Water Other organisations benefitting or SCC PRoW Unit. taking part in your project or key Stocksbridge Steel Valley Project. target audience. SRWT Reserve Advisory Group (RAG). Yorkshire Water How does the project contribute to our vision? The project will contribute to the following underlined sections of the SLLP 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 with the call of curlews and lapwings, and crossed by a lattice work of drystone walls and accessible paths and byways. 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 – to feel part of.”

We aim to achieve this by contributing to the following objectives: 1. Bigger, better and more joined up natural environment for people and wildlife. 2. A better understanding of the local heritage with more people getting involved to help look after it – a landscape for all to learn about, value, experience and enjoy.

Strategic fit It will help contribute towards SCC Green and Open Spaces strategy and Outdoor City programme.

How does your project contribute to our combined statement of significance?

Identify how your project meets one or more of the SLLP programme objectives 1. A more connected and resilient N/A landscape. 2. Bigger, better and more joined up Provides a better joined up (more accessible) natural natural environment for people and environment for people. wildlife. 3. Better recorded and valued N/A cultural heritage celebrated by local people and visitors. 4. Better understanding of local Better access within the nature reserves will enable heritage with more people helping people to experience and enjoy the natural heritage on look after it – a landscape for all to offer more easily than before. 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 N/A - in better condition Access improvements on nature reserves have a limited positive impact on natural and cultural heritage by helping keep people on allowed routes. - identified and recorded N/A Outputs for people How many people will have: - developed skills N/A - received training – certified, N/A uncertified - learned about heritage N/A - volunteered their time N/A Outcomes for communities

- Negative environmental The Redmires Road car park height barrier will help to impacts will be reduced deter the ongoing problem of fly-tipping in the car park which is unsightly and at times can be a health risk to visitors and the environment / wildlife.

- more people and a wider Physical access improvements on difficult sections of range of people will have PRoW and entrance improvements should make it more engaged with heritage accessible to visit, experience and enjoy the natural heritage of the nature reserves for a wider range of people, particularly at Wyming Brook. - your local area/community Improved accessibility across the nature reserves should will be a better place to live, provide a better place to visit. work and visit Consents required In place Y / N From public bodies - SCC PRoW Unit. N 3rd party landowner agreements N/A Other N/A

Budget headlines Percentage

HLF Funds required £40,636 .00 100% Partnership / match funding £ secured 0%

Volunteer contribution 0% In-kind contribution 0%

Total £40,636.00 100% Location Map (where will your project happen)

SRWT nature reserves in the SLLP area (see next page):

The majority of the access works will take place on Wyming Brook Nature Reserve. Some small elements to be delivered on Fox Hagg & Carr House Meadows nature reserves.

Agden Bog & Hammonds Field do not lend themselves to public access and therefore no access works will take place on these two nature reserves.

Photographs All following photos credited to Rob Miller unless otherwise stated.

Wyming Brook:

Above: Wyming Brook car park in need of resurfacing and drainage improvements.

Above: Wyming Brook car park entrance. Install height barrier and horse hop at entrance including a need for drainage improvements.

Above: Example of existing entrance: Remove and replace old A-Frame & Horse Hop to refresh main entrances and update with more appropriate and user friendly infrastructure.

Above: Remove and replace log vehicle barriers on the edge of the car park like for like.

Above: Improve footpath adjacent to car park entrance through a combination of stone pitching and natural stone surfacing plus drainage improvements.

Above: Remove and replace x2 existing old benches to provide resting points and places to sit and enjoy the nature reserve surroundings.

Above: Improve access along the brook through stone pitching / stone steps at numerous difficult sections along the length of the route from Redmires Road Car park to Wyming Brook Drive at Rivelin Dam. Also work to try and protect the footpath from further water erosion from the brook.

Above: Remove and upgrade existing steps close to the Rivelin Dam entrance to Wyming Brook.

Above: Scrape off build-up of leaf litter creating a boggy area to expose surfacing beneath. Install drainage channel adjacent to capture water and remove some trees/scrub to prevent future issues. Fox Hagg Nature Reserve:

Above: Installation of stone pitching and drainage channels required at numerous locations along this well used desire running parallel with the River Rivelin.

We currently have no photos on file of the proposed Carr House Meadows work items but will obtain some soon.

Demonstrate links / cross-fertilisation to at least 2 other projects - SRWT Nature reserve project - Woodland Heart - Drystone Walling project - 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 2. Telling local stories 3. Digital landscape (i.e. using technology) 4. Monitoring and evaluation 5. Evidencing ecosystem services 6. Community engagement 7. Communicating the good work of the Heritage Lottery Fund, and potentially other supporters. Biosecurity / Confidentiality SRWT Biosecurity policy / procedure will be followed.

Legacy and long-term management Legal and agreements implications

Operational The nature reserves will continue to be managed by SRWT under long-term lease arrangements or ownership.

Strategic Our legacy will be an enhanced access network (bigger, better and more joined up); ultimately making it more suitable for public use in the longer term.

Partner’s Environmental Policy SRWT’s environment policy will be followed.

Risks Non-delivery, part-delivery – mitigated by good project planning and progress monitoring. Maintain good working relationships with the SCC PRoW unit to help implement works. Climate Change