Chairman - An Introduction to the Group

RVCG is now in its' 20th year and has a membership of over 500 drawn mostly from the surrounding neighbourhoods but with a substantial number city-wide and even beyond - emphasising the fact that Rivelin is not just a local facility but a recreational and educational gem of high regard and a vital part of Sheffield's natural and archaeological heritage.

The Group acts as a catalyst in a wide variety of ways to promote the protection and best management of the valley for the wildlife and people's ability to access this wonderful countryside.

  1. The Task Team is regularly working in the valley, repairing footpaths, improving stiles, managing the woodland and latterly improving some of the mill ponds by restoring the goits to working order. We work with a variety of land owners including the City Council, Yorkshire water, farmers and local churches and on their behalf have raised funds through grant applications. The Group currently heads up the management of the 15 acre Hag Woodlands, the 6 ponds in Phase 1 of the Pond Conservation Trust's programme for Rivelin and the 10 acre Community Open Space - Carver Fields, off Hagg Lane.
     
  2. The Group holds a series of Open Meetings during the winter months at Stephen Hill Methodist Church, Crosspool and occasionally at Knowle Top Chapel, Stannington when guest speakers are invited and there is an opportunity to discuss Valley issues.
     
  3. We have a small but busy team looking at Planning Applications and pursuing those which merit comment or objection. We represent local opinion at public enquiries and so far have not been on the losing side.
     
  4. The group has its own data base of wildlife records which from time to time are passed to other local recorders. This data base is vital when pursuing planning arguments.
     
  5. The Group has produced several guides to walking and understanding the Valley better

The Group is completely independent, has its own constitution and is managed by an annually elected executive committee. Annual Membership Fee is currently £3 per household and a welcome pack is available to all new members.

Current Officers:

  • Chairman - Graham Appleby (01142 660203 mob: 07850 712988)
  • Membership Secretary - M. Sanderson (01142 306790)
  • Task Team Co-ordinator - Keith Kendal (01142 307144)
  • Treasurer - David Lyon (01142 302660)
  • Planning - Derek Hastings
  • Group Recorder - Joan Buckland (01142 305829)
  • Press - Janet Bowring (01142 307570)
  • Valley Matters - Roger Kite (01142 306194)