Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve

Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve is in the southeast of Sheffield, about 4 miles from the city centre. This 100-acre site is home to many species and a vast array of habitats. By the ponds, you may spot a dragonfly or a kingfisher. In the trees, you may hear a jay or a song thrush.

The Shire Brook was once the ancient kingdom boundary between Northumbria and Mercia following the Meers Brook down to the River Sheaf. With a rich history from water-powered mills manufacturing tools to coal mining, waste management to a protected Local Nature Reserve, Shire Brook Valley is a place to explore both heritage and nature.

Species Survival Project

Between 2024-2026, Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve was funded by the Government’s Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies. It was delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.

Delivered by Sheffield City Council, the project created, restored and enhanced habitats to support and protect the species living here and encourage new ones. This included the desilting of Carr Forge Pond, managing invasive species, creating pollinator plots and improving flood management through dams, ponds and scrapes.

The project explored the stories of nature and heritage of Shire Brook Valley through a range of activities and events bringing people closer to their local green spaces and enabling them to find out more about the habitats and species that can be found here on the reserve.

To find out more about the project visit here.

Walks and Trails

As part of the Species Survival Fund project, a permanent Nature Sculpture Trail has been installed along a 2km route. You can follow the orange accessible trail to see some of the sculptures or follow the yellow trail to discover all the sculptures throughout the reserve.

The Teasel Trail encourages you to take a mindful walk throughout the reserve. Follow the teasel trail markers and take a moment to pause, engage your senses and discover details.

Explore downloadable trail leaflets here or pick a paper copy up outside the visitor centre.

Please note: The nature reserve is vast which makes for a lovely wildlife walk but be careful not to lose your way.

Accessibility

Many of the paths across the nature reserve are reasonably flat and easy to walk.

In some places, you will experience some uneven, narrower paths and steeper terrain. Some paths may not be suitable for all wheelchairs and buggies, especially in wet weather. Some paths can get muddy after a lot of rain.

Please plan your visit and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather.

Parking

There is a free car park just before the visitor centre. what3words ///takes.look.bright

Please use a radar key if you need to access via wheelchair or mobility scooter through the main green gate in the car park.

Amenities

Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve is always open to the public to explore.

The visitor centre is open most Wednesdays and during public events. It is also open at least one Sunday each month. For queries on opening times contact the Shire Brook Valley Heritage Group via Facebook.

There are toilet facilities within the visitor centre including a disabled toilet.

How to Reach Shire Brook Valley

Address: Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve, Stone Lane, Sheffield, S13 7BR

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Public transport: Buses run on main roads close by – check Travel South Yorkshire for details.

The Trans Pennine Trail runs through Shire Brook Valley; you can find the map here.