“I need my daily trip to the valley to soak up the essence of the place and immerse myself in nature”
Rivelin Valley, Sheffield
Becky Crowley - gardener, artist
Every day I take my dog Laika to the Rivelin Valley on the outskirts of Sheffield. It’s just ten minutes’ drive from my house but it is a world away from life in the city. I work from home and there comes a point in every day - usually around half four - when we both just need a break.
I’ve lived in Sheffield for 20 years but only recently discovered the valley, and it is completely gorgeous. As soon as I get there I’m filled with gratitude to be surrounded by so much life. It’s an unspoilt English woodland with a river running through it, but also a place that has been actively used and appreciated by people for centuries. The winding paths, stepping stones and little bridges are all remnants of the site’s industrial past, when this river powered the steel mills that in turn powered Sheffield’s economy.
Once the mills moved away, nature moved back and began to reclaim the place, so now you have a wonderful contrast of atmospheres, with built
