Cutting the ribbon at Little Pear Tree Field
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A wildlife sanctuary was opened at Parkwood Springs by children from St Catherine’s School on 20th April 2006. It will be known by its original name ‘Little Pear Tree Field’.
Jean Armstrong, local resident and member of Parkwood Springs Steering Group, noticed a neglected area next to Shirecliffe Road. Her research showed it was formerly known as Little Pear Tree Field.
The Steering Group obtained £20,000 from the landfill tax credits scheme run by nearby landfill site operator Viridor, which diverts taxes levied on landfill to improve the local environment.
Parkwood Springs Steering group talk to Radio Sheffield
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Sheffield Wildlife Trust and the Council’s Trees and Woodlands Department organised the improvements.
The sanctuary now includes new woodland and wetland habitats, grassland and heath, and new footpaths to make it accessible. A boundary hedge was restored last year using traditional hedging techniques. Four new pear trees were planted, and children from Southey Hill Primary School sowed wildflower seeds. Viridor also provided several blocks of stone, weighing up to two tonnes each, to serve as seats.
“It can be all too easy to forget about the wonderful natural resource of wildlife found at Parkwood Springs, with fantastic views over the Don Valley. This reserve will now provide a sanctuary for wildlife and for people in Burngreave and Shirecliffe to watch and learn about nature,” said Jean (pictured above right talking to Radio Sheffield).
Schoolchildren examine wildlife
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After opening the site, the children set about hunting for bugs and various slimy creatures which they enthusiastically identified and recorded.
Parkwood Springs Steering Group sees the Little Pear Tree Field sanctuary as the first step in working with the community to develop Parkwood as an attractive recreational and educational resource.
by Andrew Green
