RAD in the Rivelin: Resilience, Access and Diversity

This project will increase the resilience of Wyming Brook and Fox Hagg Nature Reserves on the Rivelin Valley by enhancing the woodland structure to make it more resilient to climate change including adapting the woodland to reduce water run off, acting as natural flood management.
We will improve access so that even more people can enjoy the benefits of nature and green spaces; improving surfaces and steps as well as new maps and signage to inform and educate visitors.
Finally we will improve the species diversity by managing the woodland, removing invasive species to improve habitat and fence areas to protect new natural growth.
AIMS
DIVERSITY:
-Manage woodlands to create a diverse native mix of species.
-Improve habitat for declining species, including pied flycatcher, tawny owl, wood warbler and nightjar
-Open up the understory habitat, between the tree canopy and moorland ground.
-Remove invasive species to benefit native species.
RESILIENCE:
-Thin trees to reduce the risk of disease spreading and create new habitat.
-Felling trees using an X-slope technique to reduce runoff and flood risk; a form of natural flood management.
-Create monolithic standing deadwood instead of felling trees.
ACCESS:
-Increase opportunities to volunteer.
-Create more welcoming gateways and provide more information for a better visitor experience and show how our green spaces improve health and fight climate change.
-Increase accessibility of footpaths and entrances by improving tracks and infrastructure.