Wildflower meadows are full of colour and provide vital habitats for bees, butterflies, small animals, insects, birds and other wildlife. More of us are turning patches of our gardens into wildflower habitats and No Mow May is a popular campaign. Add in the drive over recent years for farmers to help biodiversity and wildlife by … Continue reading How annual maintenance of wildflower meadows encourages biodiversity
Managing the meadow at Bitholmes Wood
At the end of September, our volunteers were out working on the meadow at the edge of Bitholmes Wood (located between Wharncliffe Side and Deepcar). The woods are owned by the Woodland Trust and the Steel Valley Project undertakes an annual contract to help manage the rich variety of species in the meadow. What work … Continue reading Managing the meadow at Bitholmes Wood
Drainage work on Willow Tit habitat
With the arrival of autumn, work has started once again on a big project - protecting and improving habitats for the Willow Tit bird, one of the UK's most threatened bird species. Numbers of willow tit are reported to have declined by 88% between 1970 and 2006 and it is now listed on the UK's … Continue reading Drainage work on Willow Tit habitat
Quality firewood logs for sale
September has arrived and you may have noticed the autumnal turn has started on some of the leaves on the trees. This is a good time to get yourself ready for the winter months ahead, making the most of the last days of light and warm evenings. So, if you have a woodburner, remember that … Continue reading Quality firewood logs for sale
Himalayan Balsam Clearance – Bitholmes Wood
Volunteers at the Steel Valley Project have recently been working to clear areas of Himalayan balsam in Bithholmes Wood. The woods are owned by the Woodland Trust and located between Deepcar and Wharncliffe Side. They are a popular place for walkers and those searching for the Wantley Dragon. What is Himalayan balsam? Himalayan balsam was … Continue reading Himalayan Balsam Clearance – Bitholmes Wood
Summer Path Maintenance Work
With summer now in full swing, much of our work at the Steel Valley Project has been focused on cutting back overgrown paths and bridleways around Stocksbridge, Deepcar and Bradfield. This type of work is vital for keeping paths open and ensuring that people can have safe access to enjoy the many natural spaces in … Continue reading Summer Path Maintenance Work