About
Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust is a registered charity and works with the local community towards a better future for wildlife, people and the green spaces we all love. We connect people with the natural world through innovative programmes which have helped thousands of local people, young and old, improve their lives through natural experiences and outdoor learning. We work together with over 6,000 members and 100 volunteers to create a better future for nature and for people in Sheffield and Rotherham. We take care of 15 nature reserves (almost 600 hectares) across Sheffield and Rotherham where you can enjoy nature and where our conservation work helps the wildlife you love to thrive, whilst working towards creating a network for nature. We also campaign for a better deal for nature and people locally and in the wider world, challenging potentially harmful developments and providing expert evidence to local authorities on issues like flood protection and street trees. We inspire people to take action for wildlife and wild places in their own lives. Connecting Steps Just one of our many popular current projects is Connecting Steps. How eco-anxious are you? What are your barriers to getting out? Could you connect more? Connecting Steps is an Heritage Lottery Fund project enabling minority groups to visit the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Area (SLLA) to wild up their well-being through nature connection; bringing this new confidence and appreciation closer to home. The Sheffield Lakeland area covers approximately 145km2, encompassing 10 reservoirs, moorland, rivers, farmland, villages and four Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust reserves. It is an outstanding example of a living landscape, rich in history with diverse habitats abundant in wildlife, vibrant communities and strong traditions. We hope to enthuse, engage, help and support these groups through facilitating visits (via public transport where possible) and including nature-based activities to promote well-being, such as wild art, foraging, photography, mindfulness, flora/fauna ID and visits to Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership (SLLP) partners, for example Our Cow Molly and Stoneface Creative. Where possible, groups can take part in conservation skill days, such as dry stone walling and habitat management. Connecting participants with their local green space and communities is another important outcome of this project. Groups we work with include SOAR, MCDT, Refugee Council, Sheffield ME & Fibromyalgia, the Sheffield Universities, MIND, ZEST and Solace. Find out more at www.wildsheffield.com, become a volunteer at www.wildsheffield.com/getinvolved/volunteer/, or join the Trust today for as little as £2.50 per month at www.wildsheffield.com/become-a-member/