The history and heritage of Sheffield's green spaces are being championed by activists
Not only have the Green City Heritage (GCH) group saved trees which were put up as war memorials to lost soldiers during the First World War it has also become a Tree Charter Branch to help ensure that the relationship between people and trees is recognised in decision making across homes, neighbourhoods, communities and government.
Cara Sutherland, director of Green City Heritage, said: “When you think of Sheffield you think of steel and you think of industry and that is the city’s identity but the reason those industries were able to thrive was because of the surrounding green areas and the natural resources and they are so important and we don’t want to forget our roots as we look to the future.
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Hide Ad"The natural heritage of Sheffield, while it is at clear risk of being physically removed from the City, it is also at risk of being misunderstood, disengaged and forgotten by the City’s communities. There is limited knowledge, interpretation and protection of the green material culture of the City, and yet, it makes up some of the most readily available and accessible heritage within the City.”
The group was officially formed in August 2019 but had been working on projects before that.
35-year-old Cara from Hillsborough, aid: “The trees on Western Road are a living war memorial planted during the First World War to honour those students who never came. So yes they are trees but they are so much more than that and I’m glad we were able to stop them from being lost forever.”
In September last year GCH became a tree charter branch, a national organisation which draws its strength from the grassroots – from people and communities across the UK who stand up for trees, and is working to ensure landscapes rich in wildlife are sustained more trees are planted in the future, ensure the trees planted already are looked after and make trees accessible to all.
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Hide AdEarlier this year the National Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the group money to further their good work. However, after the coronavirus outbreak they were unable to access this funding and plans have now been postponed.
Cara said: “When lockdown came and we were only allowed out for exercise once a day the city’s green spaces saw more people visiting them which has been a really positive thing. The wildlife has been flourishing – badgers were seen on Sheffield’s tram tracks and the flowers have been out in force so we have been looking at the silver linings in such a terrible time.
"Now we want to build on this love of nature and get more people involved going forward to make sure we have green spaces for future generations.”
Anyone who would like to learn more about the work done by GCH or join their campaign click here