The
group was formed in 1991 with the aim to
encourage
the effective
management of wildlife habitats and to reverse the decline of the
nature trail over the past decade. The Rivelin Valley is three and a
half miles long and with over 700 lime trees lining the road making
it the second longest lime tree avenue in Britain.
The fast flowing river, regulated by its constant release from
moorland peat proved ideal for powering the wheels of up to twenty
mills along its course. One of the oldest being the Hind Wheel 1581 with some still
working up to the 1950's. Perhaps the most famous being Mousehole
Forge at Malin Bridge which produced world famous anvils and is
being carefully restored by its present owner.
What remain are the ponds which used to feed them and with support
of the Ponds Conservation Trust and Yorkshire Water, the group
intends to restore as many as possible for the wildlife to inhabit
and the public to enjoy.
Membership is £3 per household per year (this includes quarterly
newsletter, work days on the last Sunday of each month, regular
walks, talks from enthusiasts and experts and other events
throughout the year).
For further information, do not hesitate to
contact us.