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A
study of the potential to enhance the green and
open spaces of Stocksbridge SRB5
Report by Jim Flanagan and Sheffield Wildlife Trust
for SVP 7.5. Action in the INNER ZONE 7.5.1. Nature Reserves Network 7.5.1.1. Quarry Hill (green audit site)
This unusual site consists of a steep, almost conical rock outcrop, a large part of the upper slopes covered in dense rhododendron. Near the base of the outcrop can be seen very small patches of heather with some bracken that probably covered most of the site at one time. Bluebell is also present close to rhododendron at top of site. Conservation work here involving the community could involve restoration of the former heathland habitat and vegetation clearance and some footpath improvement. 7.5.1.2. Bocking Wood and Knoll Top Woodland management and access are the main conservation aims for this site. There are opportunities for woodland glade enhancement and to thin dense wood to make the site more attractive to visit or use as a through route. A management plan is currently being developed by the SSVUDP. 7.5.2. Community Parks 7.5.2.1. Don Field (green audit site) This site is a larger version of the format of many other parks and open spaces in Stocksbridge with a fairly large area of regularly cut amenity grass and a hard-surfaced area containing conventional play facilities. The Little Don River runs along the northern edge of the site. This riverside has tall herb, trees and shrubs to provide some vegetation contrast with the mass of flat open green space. Entrance to this site on the east side is from Mill Lane and a footpath roughly runs across the middle of the site as part of the Little Don Walk. Play facilities here are intact but could be greatly enhanced and expanded to include equipment that adds an element of 'adventure playground' that young children would find more stimulating. The field could also incorporate small areas of wildflower meadow without prejudicing the amount of areas for informal play (football etc). 7.5.2.2. Smithy Moor(green audit site) This is a green space with playground facilities to the south west of Garden Village. It contains an area of rough grassland and tall herb which can be enhanced to provide more interesting wildlife habitats such as wildflower meadow with a small nature trail, a willow sculpture, bio-fuel planting area or community garden. Also the play facilities could be much improved and expanded to cater for a wider age range with expansion to incorporate court-based games such as basketball, netball, skateboarding, or tennis. 7.5.3. Formal/Pocket Parks and Cemetery 7.5.3.1. Stocksbridge Clock Tower Memorial Garden (green audit site) This linear park has been an important focal point of the town since it was built at the end of the First World War. There have been many alterations to the layout and there is a current debate about proposals for its restoration and enhancement. The gardens are somewhat staid, although plenty of colour is derived from the flowering rhododendrons lining the southern walled boundary of the site as well as ornamental cherries and planted bulb areas. Enhancement of these gardens using several themes that could compliment the clock tower and existing features. The broad, less steeply sloping, eastern end would appear to provide most potential. This could include more types of shrubs for a variety of colour and structure, possibly incorporating weeping varieties that could reflect the original purpose of the gardens as a memorial, and the creation of a central focal area with improved seating areas. The low walls along some of the paths need repair. Some of the path layout has 'deadends' that could be connected up to create a round walk. The southeast entrance, where there is a small derelict outbuilding could be used to promote other community open space and play area facilities in Stocksbridge, although these appear in short supply to the southeast of the memorial garden. 7.5.3.2. Carr Head open space (green audit site) This area of amenity grass containing a hard surface playground is repeated in so many other sites in Stocksbridge. Play facilities could be improved or added to. Hard surfaces could be removed and areas with fine bark or wood chippings could help soften and make a safer play area. Design of play area could incorporate linked themes, celebrating the moors, heathland, river, particular species of local wildlife and other aspects of the environment or even aspects of the industrial heritage. A garden area, perhaps for butterflies or sensory could be easily incorporated around play facilities and some shrub planting with beds and seating. The Carr Head site has real potential to involve local people for its improvement and development of several features to increase use and feeling of ownership. 7.5.3.3. Knoll Top Cemetery A large part of the cemetery is open space with amenity grass but on the eastern side there are areas of trees, shrubs, rough grassland and tall herb that provide a 'wild' area. Evidenc of informal kids play with a tree swing was noted. Bluebell is scattered about with much bracken.
There is scope to develop some new planting along the northern boundary with shrubs, possibly of weeping form to enhance the purpose and attractiveness of the site. Bracken, bramble and scrub control could help to allow other wild plants to thrive. More formal planting of garden varieties and some informal paving of existing desire lines could help to give a part a more 'botanic garden' feel and attract visitors.
Menu for this Section is in the right hand column
Stocksbridge SRB5 Greenspace Audit undertaken by Jim Flanagan for Sheffield Wildlife Trust - see their Community Action Handbook - full of good ideas for your local site |
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Web pages by Map21 Ltd - latest update 7 June 2004 |
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