Rivelin Valley Nature Trail
The Rivelin Valley nature and heritage trail can be enjoyed at any time of the year. If you look carefully you will find many types of plants, trees, birds and animals, as well as historical and archaeological remains of 20 watermills and 21 mill dams – these date from the 16th to the 19th century and played a key role in the cutlery and steel industry of Sheffield. The valley has slowly been reclaimed by nature since the mid-19th century as these rural industries declined and the watermills fell in to disrepair.
The paths mainly pass through woodland, with trees such as Alder, Ash, Beech, Holly and Oak. Spring flowers include Bluebell, Cow Parsley, Dog’s Mercury, Stitchwort and Wood Sorrel. Birds such as Blackbird, Great tit, Long-tailed tit, Robin and Wren are regularly seen amongst the trees. Others such as Dipper, Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher and Mallard can be found along the river or at the water-filled mill dams. At dusk look out for bats patrolling the river or flying low over the mill dams.
England Culture & Tourism Route © Monika Simon Newbound 2020
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