en:volve

Thanks to a grant of £24,200 from the Heritage Lottery Fund Young Roots programme, Sheffield Wildlife Trust are about to start an exciting new project that will enable young people in Sheffield to discover and explore the natural, cultural and industrial heritage of the River Don. 

Young Roots is a grant programme designed to engage young people aged 13-25 with their heritage.  The projects stem directly from the interests and ideas of young people, who are supported by youth and heritage organisations to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with their local communities. The Don Heritage for Young People’s project was inspired by young people within the Winn TARA and will run over the course of a year; events and activities will be run in conjunction with Sheffield Wildlife Trust, local schools, and the Junior Winn Tenants and Residents Association (TARA).

The project will work with a variety of groups to encourage children and adults to work together, bridging the gap between the generations through a selection of events and sessions including sustainable fishing, kayaking, river clean up days, photography exhibitions, guided walks and public events. The groups will work with a variety of river-related organisations such as the Five Weirs Walk Trust, River Stewardship Company, and S.P.R.I.T.E, to learn about the heritage and ecology of the river, how we can conserve such a valuable habitat, and how the river has helped shape the city we see today.

The River Don runs all the way through Sheffield, joining communities and creating valuable habitats for a huge variety of fauna and flora.  With such rich biodiversity and heritage, the River Don has plenty for young people to get involved with.  

Fiona Spiers – Head of Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire and the Humber said “This is a great project that will allow young people to learn about the industrial and natural heritage of the River Don in an exciting and hands on way.  The project will allow people to discover the impact the river has had on the industrial grow of the surrounding communities.” 

Community Wildlife Ranger, Hannah Wittram commented, “This exciting project will provide many opportunities for young people to experience new activities, gain new skills and learn all about the rich heritage of the Don, as well as working with older people to help break down generational barriers.”

As a project finale, the groups will promote their work and help share their knowledge with the rest of the school and the public through a celebration event exhibiting their achievements and promoting different aspects of the river's heritage.