Rivelin Valley Conservation Group (RVCG)

Rivelin Valley: In the North West of Sheffield, the River Rivelin runs from the Hallam Moors in Derbyshire to Malin Bridge where it meets the River Loxley. It divides the communities of Stannington to the north, and Walkley, Crookes, Crosspool and Lodge Moor to the south. From around 1600, the Rivelin Valley was host to 20 watermills that helped Sheffield’s industrial revolution and its famous cutlery trade. The last mill stopped working in the mid 1950’s and the footpath along the river connecting the remains of the old mills have become a popular nature trail and tourist destination.

The RVCG was formed in 1991 to help maintain the footpaths and woodlands around Hagg Lane (Crosspool). It later expanded into other areas of the Rivelin Valley where it has helped to improve the nature trail, and maintain the woodland, millponds, goits and archaeological heritage.

The RVCG is run by volunteers, has its own constitution and has an elected committee who meet monthly. There is a small membership fee (click here for details)  to join and currently it  has over 250 households as members. Members receive a quarterly newsletter about the activities of RVCG and other items of interest.  Members can also participate in the Open Meetings and other RVCG eventsage walks.  The group has its own publications producing leaflets about the valley and  ‘Walking the Rivelin’ ; a pocket guidebook to the industrial heritage and natural history of the Rivelin Valley. This can be bought from a variety local shops or online.

Informal monthly meetings with interesting speakers and an opportunity to discuss Rivelin matters.

• Talks by enthusiasts and experts, usually on a local and/or wildlife theme, followed by refreshments.
• Held during the second week of the month (except summer months). See Events Programme for details.
• Start at 7.30 pm and finish around 9–9.30 pm.
• Venue: Stephen Hill Methodist Church, Crosspool (unless otherwise advertised).
• A small entrance fee includes refreshments.

Monthly work parties undertake a wide variety of tasks, including woodland management, trail maintenance and installation of benches. Working in the Rivelin Valley means you really can make a difference and the whole community benefits.

• Meets on the last Sunday of each month.
• Starts at 10 am, and continues until around 2 pm or as long as individuals can stay.
• Protective clothing, training and all tools provided.
• You can work on your own or with others, but always at your own pace.
• You get the satisfaction of a job well done, keeping fit working in the great outdoors and with something worthwhile to show for your effort.
• There are jobs for the less fit or active too.
• Children are welcome, but supervision remains the responsibility of an accompanying adult.

For more information about the Task Team click here.

• Quarterly newsletter can be found on the website.
• Attendance at local fairs and functions with the RVCG stall to promote RVCG work in the Valley and to raise awareness and appreciation of the historical and wildlife interest of the area amongst adults and children.

• Database of wildlife records; members are encouraged to submit local sightings.

• Production of historical and nature guides to the Valley including for example a sculpture Trail,

• Viewing planning applications relevant to the Rivelin Valley and pursuing those that merit comment or objection.
• Annual social events.
• Wildlife-themed walks in the valley, some also open to the public.
• Hosting educational visits for local school/youth groups and Universities.
• Putting on ad hoc Corporate volunteering days to help with maintianing the Nature Trail and Heritage within Rivelin Valley.

For further information, do not hesitate to contact us.

Details of the Committee and Contacts can be found on the website.