Accessing Roe Woods

Story: Lisa Swift

Last year local residents expressed their anger at the lack of consultation about the Sheaf Training planning application – see the October 2010 Messenger. The main concern was traffic on the Firs Hill estate and its affect on access to the woodland.

Following the completion of the Centre’s refurbishment, the Messenger visited Roe Woods to see what impact it has had.

The track from Firshill Rise, now in good condition, is still the only access to the construction course compound and skip, so though narrowed it is unlikely to return to strictly pedestrian use and will need maintaining.

As part of completion, contractors plan to dig up the vast majority of the field and replace it with wild flowers. This plan will be news to residents and has caused concern about how it will be maintained. Local resident Peter Mappin said:

“It looks good as it is; local people really enjoy this view. This will restrict residents’ use of the area which was gifted to the people of Sheffield by the Duke of Norfolk.”

The Council is organising a meeting with local residents to discuss the completion of the Sheaf Training refurbishment.

Improving the woods

Sheaf Training students have been working to make the area around the old playground a safer and more pleasant place. They have planted wetland plants in areas which were once ponds, cleared brambles and planted new trees. Future plans include more undergrowth thinning and improving the boundary with Sheffield United Academy.

The Council’s Parks and Woodlands are also starting tree work in the woods which will use horses to remove felled trees. Woodlands officer Adam Goodall said:

“Woodlands require thinning – removing the smaller, weaker trees – to give the better trees room to grow properly and to benefit native tree species. At the same time allowing more light into the woods, encouraging wild plants and wildlife in general and making them more attractive for recreation.”

For more information on the tree work, contact Adam Goodall on 250 0500.

This document was last modified on 2011-11-25 08:17:25.