Sheffield Blue Loop River Restoration Sustainability

Question 1

Define River Restoration

Answer 1

River Restoration = to return a river to its natural state

• River restoration is a form of soft engineering

Question 2

What is the Sheffield Blue Loop?

Answer 2

Continuous loop of waterways and riverside walkways in the heart of Sheffield made up of the River Don and Tinsley Canal

Question 3

Aim of Sheffield Blue Loop?

Answer 3

• To support and engage local communities along the waterside environment
• To clean up river and canal

Question 4

Stakeholders of Sheffield Blue Loop?

Answer 4

• Funded by Natural England and National Lottery
• Managed by Groundwork Sheffield and River Stewardship Company
• Volunteers/ Local people

Question 5

What was area like before river restoration?

Answer 5

• The once salmon-rich waters became lifeless
• Tinsley Canal – mass export of coal, steel and manufactured goods in 1819 onwards and polluted canal
• Urban decline in the Tinsley Canal due to newly developed railway
• Canal and associated industrial buildings fell into increasing disrepair and dereliction

Question 6

Describe the Blue Loop Community Project (River Restoration)

Answer 6

• Rejuvenated 13km waterfront for cyclists, walkers and runners
• Encouraging biodiversity by restoring natural ecosystem, and protecting wildlife species and habitats – song thrushes, water fowl, herons and kingfishers now thrive
• Clearing non-native species of buddleia and Japanese knotweed
• Engaging local communities through volunteering and promoting family events, festivals and recreation
• Reducing flood risk (slowing flow of water through Sheffield) by increasing wetland areas and vegetation on the floodplain, and adopting SuDS techniques (e.g. green roofs)
- For example, businesses are educated in sustainable living = installing green roofs to help conserve wildlife, improve the appearance of buildings and reduce the risk of flooding

Question 7

To what extent is Sheffield Blue Loop Environmentally Sustainable?

Answer 7

• More biodiversity – otters found in River Don
• Communities care for the area, so less pollution in the river and canal
• Flow of water through urban area is slower
• Reduced air pollution due to encouragement of people to cycle and walk into the city centre

Question 8

To what extent is Sheffield Blue Loop Socially Sustainable?

Answer 8

• Brings community together – increases civic pride in area
• Area looks nicer and can be used for recreational activities
• The opportunity for physical activity have health benefits
• Reduced flood risks so people’s homes are kept safe

Question 9

To what extent is Sheffield Blue Loop Economically Sustainable?

Answer 9

• Local businesses encouraged to pursue sustainable initiatives
• Visitors attracted to area and may spend money in the local shops
• Reduced flood risks mean less money spent on repairing damages