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Sheffield is a city built on seven hills, and it is that landscape-and its rivers, woodlands and mineral resources-which has produced the communities and industries we see today. A sense of place and of local distinctiveness remains very strong amongst the city's residents. A third of the city lies in the Peak District National Park-the first national park to be designated in the UK, largely as a result of local campaigning groups fighting for access to the area and for its long term protection. Sheffield has long been known as theoutdoor city, with both its green spaces and access for walkers, horse riders and cyclists, celebrated for many years. Sheffield is home to approaching 600,000 people and is reported to have over two million trees, more trees per person than any other city in Europe. Sheffield is home to 83 parks and there are 170 woodland areas within the city (Sheffield City Council website, accessed 2017).

The Sheffield Lakelands Landscape Partnership (SLLP) area is an integral part of that celebrated landscape. Its four river valleys (the River Rivelin, the River Loxley, the Ewden Beck, and the Little Don River) cut across a landscape of high gritstone moorland, farmland, and both coniferous plantation and mixed woodland. The Partnership has committed to a shared vision for: