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Incredible quiet stretch of the river near Niagara

Brown carp Victoria quay

Sheffield’s wild fig trees are a fascinating quirk of urban ecology born from the city's heavy steel industry. Exotic fig trees thrive along the River Don because warm, industrial wastewater from steel works created a tropical micro-climate that allowed fig seeds, discarded in human waste, to germinate and grow.

Nature swallows

Slowly sinking, lets carry on

Picnic in the don

(Optimism after the fall)

Ball Street Bridge, an island

How do we clean up this mess?

Overthrown, the past weighs

(Taking care, of traffic cones)

Above, clouds go grey

Ducks gliding under the bridge

Together, we bring

(New ideas, new perspectives)

Since being at University starting 2017, I have regularly visited the plunge pool throughout the year for a quick dip, often joined by dippers and wagtails, and the occasional heron (or kingfisher if im lucky!). See the flow rate and water quality change in response to the weather is always exciting, from a gentle 'clear' waterfall to powerful torrent of silt!

Peaking over the bridge or between broken fence panels and railings, you can catch a glimpse of the river next to the railway line. This in-accessible bit of the River Sheaf has more naturalistic features and greenery, offering potential shelter and areas for wildlife to enjoy, without too much disturbance.

To find out more and take action, visit https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-up-to-receive-the-river-walk-pack

As you enter Cutler’s Walk here, you can really feel the industrialisation and containment of the river between the railway and the industrial unit, and see the uniform, often grey-looking (and foul-smelling) river running perfectly straight below. As you exit under the railway bridge, stop and listen to the sound of water

tumbling over a small partially collapsing weir, not visible from the footbridge.

To find out more and take action, visit https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-up-to-receive-the-river-walk-pack