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People in the Woodseats and Norton Woodseats areas are concerned Bolehill Wood could be lost, despite it being an area of natural history interest and having several tree protection orders.

The plot forms roughly half of woodland on the hillside between the higher Bolehill area of Norton Woodseats and the Woodseats area lower down.

It includes several public rights of way linking the two areas and can be accessed via Cobnar Road, Cobnar Avenue, Cherry Bank Road and Helmton Drive.

Bolehill Wood in Woodseats could be threatened with development, campaigners say.

However, earlier this year residents were shocked to discover the 2.42-acre site has been put up for sale by its owner, and is due to be auctioned off this Tuesday, January 26.

Within hours of the news, the Friends of Bolehill Wood had raised thousands of pounds in the hope that they might be able to buy the woods, either privately or at the auction.

Property agent Mark Jenkinson & Son has given a guide-price for the site of £10,000, but it is likely to go for significantly more, and the group is making an urgent appeal for donations.

“We want to ensure that this woodland is saved for this and future generations,” said one of the campaign’s four directors, Chris Robinson.

Some of the wildlife which can be found in Bolehill Wood in Woodseats.

Another director, Pauline Zel, described the site as ‘not great for development’, with several access problems and other difficulties.

She said: “Some developers could be sympathetic, but the danger is that some big-boy corporate takes it over and wouldn’t care what damage is done to this valued environment.

“Wildlife and trees are all at risk, as are people’s homes, especially those downhill from the site if trees are removed that currently help protect against flooding.”

The sale has prompted interest among developers, at least one of whom is London-based, and there is thought to be at least one private local bidder.

The Friends group have said that even if its bid proved unsuccessful it would welcome opportunities to work with any buyer to support the protection and management of the woods.

You can find out more or donate at www.bit.ly/bolehilldonate.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

Campaign hopes to raise £20,000 to save much-loved Sheffield woods from ‘big-boy developers’

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.