Last this week we shared important information and advice to help you stay cool and stay safe when out and about in our parks and green spaces. While temperatures have cooled we still have some warm and sunny days to come so it's important to stay aware and protect yourselves from the potential hazards of the summer season. The update includes information about hydration & protection, consideration for others and our parks during busy times, BBQs, open water swimming and more. If you missed it or need a refresh hit the button below for our round up.  Councillor Marieanne Elliot welcomes the opening of the new courts with representaties from Courtside and Sheffield Pickleball This week, in partnership with Courtside and Sheffield Pickleball, 18 new pickleball courts have been created in parks across the city, giving Sheffield more outdoor courts than anywhere else in the UK. The new courts are low cost, with some free sessions also being run by Sheffield Pickleball, making the sport more accessible to people in all communities. Courtside - daily mile trail In other news at Courtside Hillsborough, the mile-a-day park trail is now live on site, supporting people to get active every day by taking on a mile. You can walk, run or wheel your way around the course, building healthy habits and clocking up those miles as you go! Why crayfish from our rivers should not be on your BBQThe UK’s native white clawed crayfish is endangered and legally protected due to major long-term declines caused by the invasive American signal crayfish species and its spread of disease. There are only a couple of populations of the white-clawed crayfish left in Sheffield and we must do all we can to protect them.  The white-clawed and signal crayfish Crayfish trapping is not permitted and is illegal unless it is for approved scientific research. It is tightly controlled because it can harm wildlife, spread disease, and damage river habitats. Even invasive crayfish cannot be trapped without a licence, as improper trapping can make environmental problems worse. A dedicated Yorkshire Crayfish Forum is working collaboratively to protect our native white crayfish and support the growth of its population. If you do activities near or in waterways you can help protect our native species by following the Check, Clean, Dry code. Locally if you have any queries about crayfish in our waters you can contact ecology@sheffield.gov.uk. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority wants your views on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The plan sets out how we can protect and restore nature across the region. It shows where action is needed and how everyone can get involved. Submit your views by Friday 31 July.  Marsh Lane allotments, Crookes - June 2026 Our Bolton Cup Allotment Competition 2026 is now open for entries across the following categories: - best large plot (over 200m)
- best small plot (up to 200m)
- best newcomer (tenancy held under one year)
- best community plot
You can apply for 1 category only, plus Best Scarecrow. Closing date for entry submissions is Wednesday 8 July. More information and how to apply is available on our allotment pages.  Growing on site at the Food Works Norton Nurseries Food Works Sheffield has turned underused land at Graves Park/Norton Nurseries into thriving community growing spaces. At their community nursery they raise seedlings, run workshops, and are building a more resilient, sustainable food system for our city. By growing food locally, they lower environmental impact, reduce food miles, and ensure fresh, nutritious produce is accessible to everyone. But they can't do it alone and there's lots of ways you can get involved including... Food Works does so much more than grow food, find out more about their other projects on the Food Works website. Our Mow-Better approachThe 'Mow Better' initiative is based on the principle that mowing less in some areas can help plants, wildlife and pollinators to thrive. Rather than treating all spaces in the same way, we are creating a mosaic of landscapes, including shorter grass for recreation alongside longer grass areas managed for biodiversity.  Park land where walkways have been mowed but edges left long to support wildlife and pollination This approach allows us to - provide space for recreation, relaxation, and play
- support pollinators, wildlife and biodiversity
- create more visually and ecologically diverse landscapes
We have applied this approach to approximately 124 hectares of grassland, enabling a variety of habitats to develop and supporting insects, birds, and other wildlife, while still making sure our green spaces can be enjoyed by our communities. Reporting issues and anti-social behaviourTo help us keep our parks safe and welcoming for all visitors you can report anti-social behaviour and other issues so that these can be addressed. Anti-social behaviour and vandalism - Contact South Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or reporting online via South Yorkshire Police. This includes off-road biking which should be reported straightaway so that the police can keep track of the days, times and locations of problem areas. Fly-tipping & dog fouling - Report using the Sheffield City Council Pollution and Nuisance portal or email environmentalservicesadmin@sheffield.gov.uk. General parks issues, health & safety or tree damage - Contact the Parks and Countryside Service directly by phone at 0114 250 0500 or email parksandcountryside@sheffield.gov.uk. We work in partnership with many local groups, with around 100 'Friends of' groups across the city. In some cases these local groups may raise or support concerns about a particular issue in their area. As the summer is in full flow there's lots going on in parks to enjoy. Here's our latest pick of what's coming up: Sheffield Botanical GardensAcross our parksIt's almost time for Hillsborough Park to transform into Sheffield's biggest party! Tramlines 2026 brings a top class line up, set to be one to remember. Limited day and weekend resale tickets are now available.  Image provided by Tramlines If you're going, download the Tramlines app and start planning your 2026 experience now so you know who's on where and when and you don't miss your favourites. Back at the Sheffield Botanical Gardens on 5 and 6 September, tickets are on sale now for our annual art exhibition.  A beautiful installation at Art in the Gardens, as attendees sit for an artist talk in the background One of the largest outdoor art markets in the North, the event boasts a diverse range of artists and makers and plenty of entertainment to make it a great weekend for all the family. Grab your tickets now! Tree managerPermanent, part time (2 days per week) The Tree Manager will co-lead and play a central role in shaping the future of Sheffield’s urban forest within the wider Parks and Countryside Service. For you if you are experienced in management with a strong track record in arboriculture, combining technical expertise with confident leadership. Search 'Tree Manager' or job ref REQ004422. Closes Sunday 5 July. Animal Farm WorkerPermanent, part time (15 hours per week) We are looking for a candidate that can maintain a high standard of animal welfare at the same time as providing an excellent visitor experience for members of the public and educational trips. Search 'Animal Farm' or job ref REQ004408. Closes Sunday 12 July Green Space ApprenticeLevel 2 apprenticeship (37 hours per week) up to September 2028 Four Green Space Apprentice positions are now open to work city wide with Parks & Countryside to help to manage & improve our varied range of parks & green open spaces. Successful candidates who complete their full training will receive a nationally recognised qualification. Search 'Green Space Apprentice' or job ref REQ004409. Closes Sunday 12 July. | 
No comments:
Post a Comment