Sheffield Heritage Open Days: Celebrating Routes, Networks, and Connections

England’s largest festival of history and culture returns to celebrate the rich heritage of Sheffield and this year’s Heritage Open Days is particularly special as it coincides with the Centenary of CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire.

Sheffield Walking Festival

In celebration of the charity’s Centenary, CPRE Peak District and South is proudly highlighting the remarkable life and legacy of Ethel Haythornthwaite. It will host a series of free guided walks as part of the Heritage Open Days programme of events, in partnership with the Sheffield Walking Festival. On the walks, (10^th – 12^th September) charity representatives will share stories about the pioneering British countryside campaigner and the impact of Ethel’s legacy on local landscapes, through the festival’s theme of ‘Routes, Networks and Connections.’

Born Ethel Gallimore in Sheffield, she spent her formative years in the picturesque suburb of Endcliffe, just a stone’s throw from Endcliffe Park in the Outdoor City.

Ethel’s commitment to environmental conservation and land preservation was groundbreaking. She played a crucial role in the movement to purchase and gift land to the people of Sheffield, particularly in areas like the Mayfield Valley, which now form part of the Sheffield Green Belt. Her efforts were driven by a deep-seated belief in the restorative benefits of the countryside, and she dedicated her life to encouraging others to appreciate and protect the natural landscapes, which surround the Steel City.

Tomo Thompson, CPRE PDSY CEO tells us more; “In our Centenary year we’re delighted to celebrate Sheffield’s heritage by sharing stories about one of the city’s most pioneering environmentalists. To this day, the impact of Ethel Haythornthwaite’s work can still be felt at many of the local landscapes we cherish, and we hope our walks will enable more people to learn about her work; connecting them to the places she campaigned to protect for the enjoyment of all.”

Festival Highlights:

CPRE PDSY Guided Walks:

This year’s festival will highlight Ethel’s legacy through a series of guided walks that trace her footsteps and showcase the breathtaking scenery she fought to preserve. Designed to connect walkers with the countryside that surrounds Sheffield, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the significance of these routes and their connections to the city’s history, highlighting the importance of accessible countryside for all.

Celebrating CPRE PDSY’s Centenary:

Join us in celebrating Sheffield’s heritage and the vital work of CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire as we honour a century of work to protect, enhance and promote the countryside. Whether you are a seasoned walker or new to exploring the outdoors, we can all follow in Ethel Haythornthwaite’s footsteps and safeguard the countryside so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come. Donate to the Centenary Fund.

Ethel Haythornthwaite’s Legacy:

Ethel Haythornthwaite founded the Sheffield Association for the Protection of Rural Scenery one hundred years ago, which later became the local branch of CPRE. Her vision was to connect people living in urban environments with the tranquillity and inspiration found in beautiful places. She championed initiatives that encouraged city dwellers to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the countryside, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards the natural world. Through her efforts, she encouraged people to explore the healing power of nature, ultimately promoting a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Since its formation, CPRE PDSY has played a pivotal role in conservation efforts aimed at protecting the landscapes and green spaces surrounding Sheffield, including the Green Belt and the Peak District National Park.

Ethel’s legacy continues to inspire efforts to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they are from, can enjoy the beauty and restorative qualities of a thriving countryside. The series of walks during Heritage Open Days, in partnership with Sheffield Walking Festival, will reflect on her legacy and work to protect the countryside so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.

Five historical facts about CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire

1. Ethel Haythornthwaite founded the Sheffield Association for the Protection of Rural Scenery on 7th May 1924. Among those present were Ethel Gallimore, G.H.B. Ward representing the ramblers’ interests, Gertrude ward, (Ethel’s sister), and Alan Ward (her brother). Sir Henry Hadow, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield University was elected President, and Ethel, who had both instigated the meeting and provided the meeting place, was elected Honorary Secretary.
2. In 1927 the Sheffield Association for the Protection of Rural Scenery went on to become the local branch of CPRE. To this day it still works to protect the countryside from inappropriate development.
3. Spearheaded by Ethel, the charity was instrumental in the purchase of the Longshaw Estate. Following two public appeals, assisted by the Sheffield Ramblers Association and a further generous gift from the Sheffield Town Trustees the estate was presented to the National Trust in 1931.
4. The Peak District was Britain’s first national park to be designated in 1951.
5. After 45 years of campaigning, the Sheffield Green belt was formally adopted by Sheffield City Council in 1983.