Sheffield Wildlife Trust River Rother
Case study
Sheffield Wildlife Trust River Rother
River Rother conservation and watercourse works for Sheffield Wildlife Trust
Scope
Straddling the banks of the River Rother on the
outskirts of Sheffield, Woodhouse Washlands
Nature Reserve is 53 hectares of unspoilt wet
marsh land / flood plain managed by grazing cattle and occasional maintenance by Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust.
Benefiting from flood prevention measures installed
in the 1950s, the area now rarely floods, comprises many ponds, ditches, temporary pools, hedges which supports a huge diversity of wildlife, flora and fauna.
Located in a suburban area on the boundary
between Sheffield and Rotherham, it was also necessary to liaise with the various authorities to ensure compliance with all the necessary permits and legislative obligations.
Working in partnership with designers and the
Environment Agency, Sheffield and Rotherham
Wildlife Trust sought to create standing water and
habitat features as part of the River Rother restoration scheme. Using small bunds and a series of in-channel rock or boulder berms, flow conditions along the river were to be altered.
Visitors to the nature reserve during the period
were not restricted and due care had to be taken, particularly to dog walkers and animals off the lead. Cross Section Detail
Rock Berm Detail
Key Aspects
WOODHOUSE WASHLAND NATURE RESERVE Given the site is a wildlife nature reserve it was necessary to access the site from a main road with
RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT
heavy plant and machinery in a very carefully controlled manner to minimise any impact on the surrounding environment.
Client: Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust
Duration: 3 weeks
Scope:
Straddling the banks of the River Rother on the
outskirts of Sheffield, Woodhouse Washlands
Nature Reserve is 53 hectares of unspoilt wet
marsh land / flood plain managed by grazing cattle and occasional maintenance by Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust.
Benefiting from flood prevention measures installed
in the 1950s, the area now rarely floods, comprises many ponds, ditches, temporary pools, hedges which supports a huge diversity of wildlife, flora and fauna.
Located in a suburban area on the boundary
between Sheffield and Rotherham, it was also necessary to liaise with the various authorities to ensure compliance with all the necessary permits and legislative obligations.
Working in partnership with designers and the
Environment Agency, Sheffield and Rotherham
Wildlife Trust sought to create standing water and
habitat features as part of the River Rother restoration scheme. Using small bunds and a series of in-channel rock or boulder berms, flow conditions along the river were to be altered.
Visitors to the nature reserve during the period
were not restricted and due care had to be taken, particularly to dog walkers and animals off the lead. Cross Section Detail
Rock Berm Detail
Project Images
Challenges
inaccessible areas with very poor ground conditions such that ambulances or a helicopter
Utilities Liaison
may sink.
Following surveys, certain utilities were found to be
Biosecurity & Environmental Concerns
present and in particular it was found necessary to
Moving machinery from one property to another
cross a gas main. Liaison with the necessary often requires biosecurity and environmental companies and provision of temporary protection protocols to minimise transfer of contaminants or mats ensured this was managed appropriately. invasive species such as black grass. This is
Segregation particularly important when working in protected
Works often entailed footpath restrictions and sites such as conservation areas, nature reserves diversions to protect or segregate the public whilst or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). maintaining good relationships with visitors to the reserve. Communication of any anticipated Working with Water inconvenience was undertaken at the earliest Working in or around water poses hazards for opportunity as part of the project programming. employees arising from the natural environment.
Health & Safety The presence of vermin and exposure to
leptospirosis twinned with the possibility of All workings were carried out compliantly under drowning, all add to the normal risks involving CDM 2015 protocols requiring Construction Phase accidents concerning machinery and moving parts.
Plans together with comprehensive assessment of
all risks and method statements to minimise risks Pumping out of accumulating / rising ground water for all work elements. is often necessary to ensure safe working conditions.
Sweeting Bros Ltd are unique in that we have
invested in mountain rescue sleds and equipment Monitoring weather conditions and anticipated to facilitate patient evacuation in the event of an rainfall all play key factors in programming and accident. Our work is often in secluded, delivery of the project.
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