Friends of Brincliffe Edge Wood (FoBEW)

With encouragement and help from NENG this group re-formed in 2013. There had previously been a group but the comments of a local resident about the shabby state of the Wood alerted us to the need for more planning and activity. The Wood being owned by Sheffield City Council (SCC) we liaised with Parks and Countryside and the work that we do is carried out with guidance from an SCC Ranger.

The statement that FoBEW feels is closest to its aims and objectives runs:-

As a part of the Nether Edge Neighbourhood Group [NENG], our aim is to involve the community in assisting with the management of Brincliffe Edge Wood. We do this by working closely in partnership with Sheffield City Council to improve access and amenities in the Wood, protecting and enhancing the ecology and biodiversity of its natural environment as well as raising awareness of its past and present contribution to life in the area.

The main challenge for FoBEW volunteers in 2024/25 has been the reduction in Sheffield City Council Ranger time. We have to have a Ranger present for the jobs that are considered more risky, so we have reduced access to power tools and must work at ground level. Our new Ranger, Hannah, is dealing with this well and we have evolved a programme that volunteers can work with and still feel fulfilled. This will be developed further in 2026.

The Rangers helped a great deal by fabricating a new seat to commemorate FoBEW founder member Ernest Shoobridge [1940 - 2023] and by installing a number of new bench tops. Ernest’s seat has an elegant inlaid plaque kindly funded by the Nether Edge Neighbourhood Group. The benches are a blessing for visitors to the Wood as a respite from its steep paths.

New volunteers have joined us this year, so we have good sized groups and fresh enthusiasm. This has helped especially when clearing up after the felling caused by ash dieback. Therefore we continue with the general tidying of overgrown vegetation and if there is any vandalism in the form of tree cutting we can make this into habitat piles for woodland creatures. Fly tipping has reduced and wood users alert us to any problems of this kind. Our work on restoring the path edges and steps continues when the timber is available.

More seeds, including Yellow Rattle, Scabious and Ox-Eye Daisy have been broadcast in the area known as Needham’s Field.

A slightly extended version of the popular Tree Trail will coincide with the Nether Edge Festival in September.

We are considering collaboration with other woodland groups in the Sheffield area. We could compare their techniques and ideas with ours to make sure that we are always on top of woodland management.

 

If you would like to join the group of enthusiastic volunteers who look after our vital woodland please email Ken Phillip