A fundraising campaign has been launched after a much-loved wildlife pond in Sheffield was destroyed in what has been described as a "devastating" act of vandalism.
The pond over at Heeley City Farm, which had recently been refurbished by a dedicated group of volunteers aged 16 to 24, was almost completely destroyed over the weekend after its lining was deliberately slit, causing the water to drain away.
According to the farm, the project had been months in the making and was designed to create a peaceful haven for wildlife while also providing a tranquil space for visitors to enjoy.
The volunteer group behind the project invested countless hours into transforming the area and even helped secure nearly £5,000 in funding to bring their vision to life.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the heartbreaking news to Instagram, Heeley City Farm said: "Last weekend, we experienced a truly devastating act of vandalism at the farm. Our newly refurbished pond area, lovingly created by our incredible 16–24 volunteer group, was almost completely destroyed.
"This space was so much more than a pond. It was designed to be a peaceful haven for wildlife, a calm area for visitors to enjoy and somewhere nature could thrive in the heart of the city. The group poured many hours of hard work, care and passion into transforming the area, even helping to secure nearly £5,000 in funding to bring the project to life.
"In just a matter of hours, so much of that work was torn apart. The pond lining, a fundamental and vital part of the entire project, was deliberately slit, causing the pond to almost completely empty. Plants purchased especially for the habitat were ripped up and frogs and newts had only recently begun returning, making the destruction even more heartbreaking. Valuable habitat has been lost overnight.
"We are devastated for our volunteers, staff, and everyone who enjoyed this special space. It is incredibly disheartening when so many people are working tirelessly to improve the farm and create better facilities for the community, only to face setbacks like this that drain already scarce time and resources. It also leaves understandable fears about future projects and improvements being targeted in the same way.
"The police are investigating this incident and CCTV footage of the group responsible has been provided to them. Despite this, we are so proud of our volunteers and everything they achieved. Their hard work created something beautiful, and although right now we are heartbroken, we are determined that this will not take away the passion and community spirit behind the project.
"If anyone would like to support us in rebuilding the pond area and restoring this important wildlife habitat, any donations, no matter how small, would be hugely appreciated (link in bio). Your support will help our volunteers bring this special space back to life. Thank you."
British pop-rock legends Duran Duran are heading out on tour and coming to Leeds.
The ‘Rio’ and ‘Girls on Film’ singers are still going strong nearly five decades on, after releasing their 16th studio album, Danse Macabre, back in October 2023.
Later this year, Duran Duran will be heading to first direct bank arena for a spectacular live show, bringing decades of chart-topping hits, legendary performances and unmistakable style to our city.
It's set to be a very special evening, as their night in Leeds will act as the closing night of the UK Tour.
Formed in Birmingham in 1978, Duran Duran became one of the defining bands of the 1980s and helped shape the global New Romantic movement.
Across a career spanning more than four decades, the band has sold over 100 million records worldwide and earned multiple BRIT Awards, Grammy Awards and an enduring reputation as one of Britain’s most influential pop-rock acts.
Known for their truly groundbreaking music videos, electrifying live shows and timeless catalogue, it's safe to say that Duran Duran continue to captivate audiences across generations.
Fans can expect an unforgettable night featuring some of the band’s biggest hits including Hungry Like the Wolf, Rio, Girls on Film, Ordinary World, The Reflex and Save A Prayer.
Duran Duran will perform at Leeds' first direct bank arena on Saturday 24 October and they will be joined by special guests Pigeon.
Duran Duran tickets at Leeds' first direct bank arena go on general sale this Friday 5 June 2026, and you can get yours here.
Even MORE padel courts are coming to a former film studio in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
It's looking like the whole of Leeds might turn into padel courts before we know it.
The padel craze is well and truly thriving, because over the past few months we've had not one, not two, but THREE new padel courts being announced in the city.
We're not quite sure why, but something about that little racket and ball is really getting the people going - and we love to see it.
So, the next lot of padel courts is set to move into the part of a former film studio on Whitehall Road.
If granted permission by Leeds City Council, eight padel courts will be created at the Versa Studios site in Holbeck, along with an onsite cafe and bar.
Council planners have said the new development would boost access to sports facilities and create jobs in the local area.
The report said: “The development will generate around 15 new jobs, contribute to the local economy and create wider spin-off benefits for the city centre fringe.
“It will also deliver important social and health benefits, encouraging more people to participate in sport and promoting an active lifestyle within an inclusive and accessible setting.”
A design report by Quantam Padel said new courts were needed to meet the ongoing growing demand for the sport, and we can believe that.
It said: "The proposal aims to deliver a high quality padel tennis centre.
“Padel tennis is more accessible to those whose level of fitness, agility or skill make conventional tennis or squash overly challenging and difficult to play.”
So, what do you make of this? Can there be one padel court too many?
Clementine Hall -
1st June 2026 
