March News

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VACANCY: 2 x Volunteer River Stewards

Tuesday, 20th March 2012

An exciting opportunity to be a key part of an innovative social enterprise with a particular focus on improving Sheffield's waterways. The River Stewardship Company (RSC) is a company limited by guarantee which was established by a group of public and third sector partners including Sheffield City Council, Groundwork Sheffield, Sheffield Wildlife Trust, Environment Agency, South Yorkshire Forest, Five Weirs Walk Trust and Upper Don Walk Trust.

Job role - The RSC undertake riverside management work for riparian landowners, and community projects involving local communities and volunteers. The Voluntary River Steward will work 3 days per week to assist the River Steward Landscape team to deliver a variety of waterway maintenance tasks and habitat improvements mainly on Sheffield’s waterways. These will include woodland management; tree planting; invasive species management; footpath, boundary and site furniture creation/maintenance. There will also be an opportunity to assist in the delivery of a variety of community engagement activities, such as running practical volunteer days, waterway-related and environmental workshops in schools and guided walks. All reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed and the successful applicants will receive a training budget which may be tailored to the individual. This 9-month post represents an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience for a career in the conservation sector.

Person specification - Applicants must have an interest in and passion for nature conservation; the ability to work well within a small team, outdoors and in all weather conditions; be reasonably fit and have practical aptitude. Although not essential, a basic knowledge of natural history and relevant experience/qualifications are desirable.

For further information and to request an application pack phone Adam Rollitt on: 0114 2636420 / 07826541036; email: adam.rollitt@the-rsc.co.uk or visit: wwww.the-rsc.co.uk.

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Our latest client: Meadowhall

Thursday, 8th March 2012

The RSC are delighted to begin working with Meadowhall – the latest client to sign up to a three-year riverside maintenance package. Our River Stewards will be maintaining the stretch of the River Don flowing from Hadfield Weir to the railway bridge adjacent to The Source, on Meadowhall’s behalf.

Our partnership agreement with the Environment Agency, plus existing 3 year contracts with local riparian landowners British Land and Forgemasters, mean that we were already making a considerable impact on the health of the waterways close by. This additional contract with Meadowhall is particularly significant, as it will help form one of the longest uninterrupted lengths of managed riverbank in Sheffield, representing an excellent model of riparian stewardship along the River Don and the waterside environment elsewhere.

In order to monitor the success of the mitigation works, the specialists at Wildscapes will be conducting annual vegetation surveys for us. The survey results will inform Meadowhall’s annual management plan. Ongoing tasks include invasive plant control, tree removal and replanting, litter and debris removal, which will all help to improve biodiversity and aesthetics, and suppress invasive species growth.

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The University of Sheffield's 'Just Do It' campaign

Thursday, 17th March 2011

The RSC ran a special volunteering day for the University of Sheffield's 'Just Do It' campaign, in partnership with Groundwork Sheffield and British Waterways.

Funding from the University made vital repairs to a vandalised flight of stone steps possible, and paid for stone to fill a series of cross drains dug out by volunteers, which will allow water to drain into the Canal and prevent flooding to the footpath. 30 volunteers joined in with our day long event, and took part in a variety of activities including vegetation management, painting and graffiti removal, as well as helping to control invasive species along the bank-side.

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