For detailed information on the ecological conditions and problems facing Sheffield’s waterways, download the Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

Sheffield’s waterways have inherited their specific ecological challenges as part of the legacy of the city’s industrial past, in which the waterways themselves played a key role. The canal was used intensively for the transportation of industrial goods throughout the early and mid-nineteenth century. Water from the River Don was used to power mills and as cooling for heavy industrial machinery. This led to an artificially hot water temperature in the river, and a subsequent transformation of the area’s ecological conditions.

The dumping of industrial waste in the river through the nineteenth and early twentieth century ensured that once common species, such as salmon, had all but disappeared from Sheffield’s waterways. In the 1980s, efforts began to improve the ecological situation of the river and canal areas with the formation of the Five Weirs Walk Trust. Into the twenty-first century, the implementation of ecological restoration in conjunction with the local biodiversity action plan will help to ensure the long-term ecological prosperity of Sheffield’s waterways.

The Don and the Sheffield Canal network are notable for their close proximity to urban development and industrial facilities. In spite of this highly modified environment, wildlife thrives in the area since conservation work began in the late twentieth century—and the area’s post-industrial heritage now provides a surprisingly diverse home for many species. The waterways supply what the latest biodiversity action plan has designated as a priority habitat type: ‘open mosaic habitat on previously developed land.’

The 2003 biodiversity action plan identified several leading causes of biodiversity loss. Foremost among these was water pollution, but modification of the structure of the river (for example, the installation of weirs) was also seen as a major contributing factor. Residential and commercial development, fisheries management, and invasive plants and animals were also identified as playing a part in the loss of habitat for local species. New developments on Sheffield waterways are now encouraged to comply with the requirements of ecological restoration. Whereas in the past development would inevitably entail the loss of valuable habitat, present-day developers can be much more sensitive to the ecological impact of expansion. For instance, green roofs are becoming increasingly common in the Sheffield area, and can replace habitat which is lost in the development process. On the waterfront itself, much has changed since 2003, with many practical measures being put in places—for example, the installation of ‘fish passes’ to allow migrating fish to navigate local weirs.

The stretches of the Don and the Canal which make up the Blue Loop have been targeted for ecological improvement in the coming years. The area around Lady’s Bridge, for instance, has been targeted as a potential location for otters. Ecologically-led planting schemes should hopefully create viable otter habitat, and the area will be monitored for signs of otter activity.

Further up the Don, at the Salmon Pastures nature reserve, ecological recommendations focus on controlling the growth of birch, bramble and heather, so as to better maintain a variety of habitat types. In the industrial district northeast of Salmon Pastures (home to Forgemasters Ltd. amongst other renowned enterprises), wildlife-friendly planting schemes have been implemented and bat boxes installed. Efforts have also been made to engage more local businesses in riverside stewardship. Bat and bird boxes have been installed where the river encircles Meadowhall, with measures introduced to preserve the rare calcareous grassland habitat in the area.

Tinsley locks are one of the most biodiverse environments along Sheffield’s waterways, hosting amphibians, mussels, moorhens and herons. Otters and water voles have occasionally been recorded in the area, so the River Don habitat action plan has recommended monitoring the locks for mammal activity. Following the canal southwest back towards the city centre, the Pinfold Bridge area supports diverse aquatic vegetation and provides valuable habitat for local wildlife.