Sheffield Wildlife Trust River Rother

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.

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.

Given the site is a wildlife nature reserve it was necessary to access the site from a main road with heavy plant and machinery in a very carefully controlled manner to minimise any impact on the surrounding environment.

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.

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.

Utilities Liaison

Following surveys, certain utilities were found to be present and in particular it was found necessary to cross a gas main. Liaison with the necessary companies and provision of temporary protection mats ensured this was managed appropriately.

Segregation

Works often entailed footpath restrictions and diversions to protect or segregate the public whilst maintaining good relationships with visitors to the reserve. Communication of any anticipated inconvenience was undertaken at the earliest opportunity as part of the project programming.

Health & Safety

All workings were carried out compliantly under CDM 2015 protocols requiring Construction Phase Plans together with comprehensive assessment of all risks and method statements to minimise risks for all work elements.

Sweeting Bros Ltd are unique in that we have invested in mountain rescue sleds and equipment to facilitate patient evacuation in the event of an accident. Our work is often in secluded, inaccessible areas with very poor ground conditions such that ambulances or a helicopter may sink.

Biosecurity & Environmental Concerns

Moving machinery from one property to another often requires biosecurity and environmental protocols to minimise transfer of contaminants or invasive species such as black grass. This is particularly important when working in protected sites such as conservation areas, nature reserves or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Working with Water

Working in or around water poses hazards for employees arising from the natural environment. The presence of vermin and exposure to leptospirosis twinned with the possibility of drowning, all add to the normal risks involving accidents concerning machinery and moving parts.

Pumping out of accumulating / rising ground water is often necessary to ensure safe working conditions.

Monitoring weather conditions and anticipated rainfall all play key factors in programming and delivery of the project.