Greno Woods £1 Million Appeal

If I donate to the appeal will I own an area of the woods?

No, your support will allow the Wildlife Trust to purchase a proportion of the woods which will then be managed for the benefit of wildlife and on behalf of everyone who values or enjoys visiting this special place.

What happens if the Wildlife Trust doesn't raise the full £1million needed?

Of course we are optimistic that our appeal will be successful. However, in the event that we don't raise enough money to purchase all of the woodland we would consider two options: (1) buying a smaller section of the woods, or (2) attempting to raise the remainder of the funds needed through a loan or mortgage.

What will happen if the appeal exceeds its target?

We would spend any surplus on the future management of the woods or other habitat protection and restoration work in Sheffield and Rotherham.

Why should I donate now?

Your support will help the Wildlife Trust draw down match funding from funders such as the Heritage Lottery Fund and landfill operators. Every £1 you donate now could be worth as much as £9 to the appeal.

I can't afford to donate now. How else can I help?

Please help us spread the word: tell your friends and family about the appeal and encourage them to become members of the Wildlife Trust. You could also hold your own fundraising event; such as holding a coffee morning, undertaking a sponsored walk or even running in the Sheffield Half Marathon. For more ideas of how you can help us fund raise, please get in touch.

How much land is SWT buying?

The woodlands cover 178 hectares (440 acres) in total. SWT intends to buy 169 hectares (418 acres) of them to establish a major centre for woodland biodiversity enhancement and restoration, a significant environmental education and training resource, a local and regional destination for nature-based leisure and recreation and a strategic contribution to creating the Upper Don Living Landscape in South Yorkshire.

What commercial activity will take place on-site?

Over the last six years, local authorities in South Yorkshire have developed a national reputation for installing new heating systems based on woodchips for many residential complexes and blocks of flats. There are now 20 such installations in the region.

As part of the management of the woodland, Silvapower Ltd will fell trees in the conifer plantation in Greno Woods and buy the 'thinnings' from the Wildlife Trust. They will create a new stacking area for the timber and supply wood chips to the local authorities for their heating system installations.

This income will enable the Wildlife Trust to continue with its management of the site in perpetuity.

What is SWT's relationship with Silvapower?

SWT is working in partnership with local wood-chip biofuel supplier, Silvapower Ltd. They will develop a wood storage and supply base in Greno Woods and contribute to the management of the woods. They will use thinnings to produce woodchip for their biofuel market in Barnsley and Sheffield.

How will you spend the £1m?

The purchase price for the woodlands is £604,000. We will need £10,000 in order to make urgent repairs to footpaths, bridleways, access routes, walls and fences. We also need to start a programme of planting native species and thinning out non-native species. We are also excited about developing new heathland and recreational biking opportunities. Ongoing management of the site will cost approximately £30,000 per year.

Who will carry out the work?

We will work with several partners (including Sheffield City Council, Natural England, local community, recreation and environmental organisations) to restore the woods. Much of the work will be delivered using volunteers and local communities who will be supported and developed in order to play a central part of the planning, delivery and monitoring of the project.

What changes will you make to the woods?

Following an initial audit, we will make necessary health and safety adjustments which will include: removing dead and damaged trees, replacing damaged walls and fences, clearing Rights of Way, improving access, footpaths and bridleways, removing rubbish, dealing with vandalism and fly-tipping. We will also start to thin out some areas of the conifer plantation.

Our long-term plans and aspirations are to ensure the biodiversity, forestry and recreational needs of the site are balanced and to make Greno Woods a site of regional importance. Through sustainable management,we plan to improve biodiversity, manage forestry operations sustainably, develop and promote the site for recreation - walking, biking, horse-riding, wildlife watching - and education (outdoor classroom, forest schools, training courses etc.).

Will I still be able to ride my bike / horse there?

Absolutely, yes!! It is our mission to work with local people, to protect and enhance the environment of Sheffield and Rotherham for the benefit of wildlife and people, to increase the public's understanding of the natural world, and to provide opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. We plan to enhance the woodland for your leisure pursuits – walking, jogging, cycling, horse-riding.

How do I get to the woods?

Click here to view the 'Location' page.

Where can I park?

The easiest place to park is in the Forestry Commission Car Park in Wheata Wood which is on the left hand side of Woodhead Road as you go out of Sheffield. Greno Woods is on the opposite side of the road.

Click here to view the 'Location' page.

I have a question...

Please click here to send your question to us.