We’re proud to announce that The Sheffield 1000 has made a £1,000 donation to support the incredible work of the Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust — a charity at the heart of protecting local nature and green spaces across our region.

Founded to inspire and involve people in caring for the environment, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust manages 15 cherished nature reserves, including Wyming Brook, Greno Woods, and Centenary Riverside. They run a year-round programme of events that brings people of all ages closer to the natural world — encouraging both education and enjoyment in the great outdoors.

Our donation is going directly towards the Trust’s ‘Help Our Heathlands’ appeal — a crucial effort to protect and restore one of the UK’s rarest and most threatened habitats.

Heathlands may not grab headlines, but they are home to some truly special wildlife — including the Meadow Pipit, Nightjar, the delicate Green Hairstreak Butterfly, and the surprisingly cute Viviparous Lizard. Sadly, these species are under threat as heathland habitats are disappearing due to invasive species and the effects of climate change.

Over the past two centuries, an estimated 85% of heathland has been lost. The UK now holds 20% of the world’s remaining lowland heathland, making this conservation effort globally significant. In fact, heathlands are now rarer than tropical rainforests.

The Wildlife Trust’s appeal aims to restore and protect heathlands at key local reserves such as Blacka Moor, Wyming Brook, Fox Hagg, and Greno Woods — not only safeguarding vital ecosystems but ensuring these green spaces remain accessible for everyone. Healthy nature means healthier people too, and these efforts help to support the mental and physical wellbeing of our communities.

The Sheffield 1000 believes in backing grassroots projects that make a real difference — and Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust embodies that mission. Their goal of ensuring that 30% of land and water is excellent for nature by 2030, and that everyone has access to green space within a five-minute walk, is one we’re proud to support.

To learn more about their work or to get involved, visit: www.wildsheffield.com

Together, we can help nature thrive — and ensure that future generations grow up with birdsong in the air, wildflowers underfoot, and the joy of green space close to home.