New Wetland Features Boost Wildlife at Kilnhurst Ings Nature Reserve
18/06/2026
Exciting new wetland features have been created at Kilnhurst Ings nature reserve, further enhancing this unique and thriving habitat for wildlife and visitors alike.
A series of new scrapes and shallow ditches have been carefully constructed across the site. These seasonally flooded areas will provide essential feeding and breeding grounds for a variety of wading birds, including curlew, lapwing and snipe, as well as supporting their young during the crucial early stages of life. The improvements will also benefit a wide range of other wetland species, helping to increase biodiversity across the reserve.
With wetland habitats in decline across the UK, projects like this are increasingly vital. By creating and managing high-quality wetland environments, Kilnhurst Ings is playing an important role in supporting wildlife and strengthening the resilience of local ecosystems.
Kilnhurst Ings itself is a remarkable success story. Once a post-industrial washland along the River Don, the site has been transformed into a vibrant wetland landscape that benefits both nature and the local community. Visitors can now enjoy a rich and ever-changing environment, alive with birdlife and seasonal interest.
This latest phase of improvements has been made possible thanks to the generous support of FCC Communities Foundation and contributions from the Acorn Fund.
Cheryl Raynor, Grant Manager at FCC Communities Foundation said:
“We are delighted to support this valuable project at Kilnhurst Ings. The creation of new wetland habitats will provide lasting benefits for wildlife and the local community, ensuring this special site continues to thrive for years to come.”
These new scrapes mark another important step in the ongoing development of Kilnhurst Ings, reinforcing its status as a key haven for wildlife in South Yorkshire. Please visit the link below to take you the nature reserve site:
Kilnhurst Ings - Nature Reserves - Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust