Rotherham waterways improvement projects revealed

The Wildlife Trust for Sheffield and Rotherham has successfully applied for £226,929 from the Biodiversity Action Fund from WREN, the not-for-profit business that awards grants generated by landfill tax.

It means that work can start on creating a network of 12 connected sites along the Rivers Don and Rother, many of which are owned by Rotherham Borough Council.  

The council revealed this week that the sites could include Centenary Riverside and Bow Bridge in Rotherham town centre, Rother Valley Country Park, the Fitzwilliam Canal at Parkgate, Whiston Meadows, the Forgemasters Tip at Treeton and Catcliffe Flash Local Nature Reserve.

With support from the council, the Environment Agency and other local organisations, the project has also attracted an extra £13,880 from Natural England.

The aim is to improve the sites so they are better able to support rare bird species, otters and fish.