As one of the signatories of a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership (SLLP), Hallam will continue to work on the project until 2033.
The Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership (SLLP) started as a £3.4m five-year project led by Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust to preserve and improve the natural and built heritage of the unique Lakeland area.
Over the past five years, the project has delivered a wide range of benefits to the Sheffield Lakeland area, including natural flood prevention and habitat creation for bats, owls and other small woodland birds.
The project has also uncovered and preserved the hidden history of the area and connected children and young people with the environment.
Working with statutory bodies, landowners, farmers and community groups, nearly 73,000 people have been engaged through the project, and more than 1,400 people volunteered their time, making it one of the biggest projects ever undertaken in the area.
Dr Jonathan Bridge, from the Department of Natural and Built Environmentat Sheffield Hallam said: “Sheffield Hallam University has collaborated with the SLLP since its early stages through research consultancy, student projects, placements and volunteer activities. The opportunities this relationship has presented have greatly enhanced our students’ experience and provided the basis for a range of exciting applied research initiatives.
“As a leading civic university, committed to transforming lives in the region, we are delighted to be joining the Sheffield Lakeland Partnership as it moves forward over the next decade.”
Members of the partnership who have undertaken this new commitment include the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Hallam University and Natural England.
Liz Ballard, CEO Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, said: “Over the last five years, the work of the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership has made a really positive difference to the people, cultural heritage and wildlife of the area. But given the continuing nature emergency there is still much to do, and the Partnership is keen to continue to respond to that challenge.
“During the next 10-years we commit to contributing to the South Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, working with our partners, land managers and the community of the Sheffield Lakeland to protect the unique wildlife of the area for future generations."
