How to get there

• Click here for Ordnance Survey location map.
• Access to Rivelin Dams and the bottom end of Wyming Brook is best obtained by taking the road off the A57 Snake Pass and using the designated car park. The top end of Wyming Brook can be accessed via the car park off Redmires Road, 2km west of Lodge Moor.
• The site can be found on the Ordnance Survey Landranger Sheet 110 or Pathfinder 743.
• Public transport: The number 242 bus provides an irregular bus service from Sheffield to the Derbyshire Peak District via the A57. There is also the number 51 bus from Sheffield, which terminates at the former site of Lodge Moor Hospital. From here, it is necessary to walk the remaining 2km on foot before reaching Wyming Brook car park.

Overview

This picturesque area is situated in the upper reaches of the Rivelin Valley, approximately 5 miles W of Sheffield. Rivelin Dams are two relatively small reservoirs, which were constructed in the mid-19th century. The bottom reservoir can be viewed from the road, although a permit is required to access the top reservoir and the wooded perimeter. The Dams are fed by Wyming Brook, a narrow, fast flowing stream, which flows north-east down a steep, wooded ravine from its source at Redmires Reservoirs to the south.

Likely species

Although largely ignored by local birders, Rivelin Dams has a decent track record for such an under-watched site, particularly in bad weather or strong W/SW winds, when its sheltered location can often prove its worth. There is a small population of Mallard, Coot and Moorhen, plus the bottom reservoir is a traditional standing ground for Grey Heron, with Common Sandpiper also usually present in summer. A pair of Wigeon also bred here in 2003. Other regular species include Cormorant, Canada Goose, Teal and roding Woodcock, whilst Grey Wagtail, Dipper and the occasional Kingfisher can be seen along the various channels and overflows. The area is frequented by Sparrowhawk, with the occasional passing Osprey also recorded. In poor weather outside the breeding season, it is well worth checking for wildfowl, including Whooper Swan and the scarcer ducks, which have been forced down from the high tops, whilst it remains one of the best spots West of Sheffield for Kittiwake after strong winds.

Scarce visitors have included a long-staying Shag in 1979/80, Bewick's Swan, Scaup, Common Scoter, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Little Egret, Wood Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Firecrest, Arctic Redpoll and perhaps, most famously of all, a superb sub-adult Spoonbill in June 1975 - the first record for the Sheffield area.

Situated immediately to the SW, nestling between Rivelin Dams and the stunning backdrop of Hallam Moors, Wyming Brook is an area of mature coniferous woodland, bordered by upland heath. A wide range of typical upland woodland species can be seen by walking the main Wyming Brook Drive to Reddicar Brook, or the paths that skirt the edge of Hallam Moors. Highlights include Tree Pipit, Redstart, Wood Warbler, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Siskin, with the occasional singing Firecrest also recorded. It is also a traditional site for Common Crossbill, with up to 14 Parrot Crossbill present during the famous 1982/83 invasion.

Click here for recent site records.

Richard Hill