Sustrans Sheffield

Activities of the Sheffield Sustrans Ranger group.

Friday 16 August 2013

"Little" routes make a big difference

We are really excited about the new links through the Peak District that are to be built following the funding announcement this week. The Little John route and the Little Don link in particular are improvements that we have been pressing for over a long period - since 2005 in fact. This document sets out the proposals.

The Sheffield campaign for better links to the Peak originated in a meeting in Hathersage in 2005 which is detailed here. Sadly, two of the participants in that meeting have since died, but it would be great if we could commemorate them in some way on these new routes - perhaps with Portrait Benches, as used on the Connect2 schemes.

Of course these schemes will benefit cyclists from the west of the Peak District as well.

The Little John route was pretty much devised by us, based on a route that hundreds of cyclists use every day already. We very much hope that it will encourage even more people to visit this beautiful area by sustainable means. The name was suggested because Little John's grave is in Hathersage, not far off the route, and his chair is in the Scotchman's Pack pub. Another name we suggested was the Keira Knightley route, as the area was used to great dramatic effect in the Pride and Prejudice film.

Dave Stevens, volunteer co-ordinator for Sustrans, checks out the Little John Route
The Little Don route will overcome two major obstacles  - Access to the TPT at Oughtbridge, which at the moment is via a busy and steep route, and a new route avoiding the highly dangerous section of Langsett Road heading up to the Flouch.

Lots more needs to be done of course, and we are looking forward to seeing what Sheffield City Council is proposing as part of it's Green Routes programme. Let's make sure the area doesn't miss out on funding for cycle routes again!





Wednesday 14 August 2013

Volunteering opportunities on the Five Weirs Walk

A series of practical conservation days have been arranged on the Five Weirs Walk led by the River Stewardship Company and The Conservation Volunteers.

Tuesday 20th August. Meeting at the entrance to The Five Weirs Walk on Warren Street (Leveson Street end), S4 7WZ. Cutting back vegetation encroaching into the FWW.

Thursday 22nd August. Meeting at the entrance to the FWW on Washford Bridge/Attercliffe Road, S4 7WB.  Cutting back vegetation encroaching into the FWW, pulling Himalayan Balsam and injecting Japanese knotweed.

Tuesday 27th August. Meeting at the entrance to the FWW on Washford Bridge/Attercliffe Road, S4 7WB. Cutting back vegetation encroaching into the FWW, pulling Himalayan Balsam and injecting Japanese knotweed.

Thursday 29th Aug. Meeting at the entrance to the FWW on Washford Bridge/Attercliffe Road, S4 7WB. Cutting back vegetation encroaching into the FWW, pulling Himalayan Balsam and injecting Japanese knotweed. Using boat to access any knotweed/balsam on bottom of bank and edge of water.

The RSC and TCV will provide work gloves, tools, equipment, refreshments (biscuits and hot drinks) and training, instruction and supervision as appropriate. Volunteers advised to come along with sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing and waterproofs, bringing a packed lunch and additional drinks, if required.

Contact Adam Rollitt for further information.

Adam Rollitt
River Steward - Landscape Team Manager
River Stewardship Company
Unit 21
President buildings
Savile Street East
Sheffield

Wednesday 7 August 2013

User Surveys, August 10th


We have been asked whether we can do User Surveys at Rother Valley. This involves standing around for a few hours at a strategic location (The rear entrance of Rother Valley) asking people questions and filling in forms. We only need 20 forms so hopefully it shouldn't take too long. 

We only need 2 volunteers to do the survey but if we have more we can (a) have a more enjoyable time (b) do some local maintenance work while we're there. (c) Have a bit of a ride and if people are surplus to requirements they can have a ride along the TPT - if you haven't done it the run down towards Chesterfield is excellent. 

We propose to set off at 09:30 from Sheffield Station for the cycle ride out to Rother Valley. (takes 45mins - 1 hour)  Please let me know if you're coming by leaving a comment (don't bother if you're not), and if you prefer to come by other means (taking the tram to Halfway with a folding bike and using the Connect2 scheme is an option - if walking, use the signed shared use path towards Killamarsh, turn left when you meet the trail and keep going till you meet us - about a half-hour walk  ) you can meet us at the access point to Rother Valley which is here. I need to be back for mid-afternoon so won't be dragging it out 

Also if you live in the area and heading out that way please drop by and do the survey - random responses are useful but it would also be good to have some feedback from people who use the route regularly and know it well.