RAF Norton Historical site and Nature Reserve by Mark Walker History of the Site RAF Norton played an important role in protecting Sheffield during the 'Blitz' of the Second World War. It is a site of great historical interest, being one of the last remaining undeveloped Second World War sites in Sheffield. It is an important part of the cities heritage. The site housed many of Sheffield's anti-aircraft Barrage Balloons during WWII. These were placed at strategic locations to protect the city from enemy aircraft. RAF Norton was also an important training base. Here aircraft crew were trained in things such as signals, in readiness of flights to Germany for 'Bomber Harris.' The RAF took possession of the site in the summer of 1939. This was in preparation for the coming war which was widely expected. The city urgently needed air defences. Initially people were trained at office on 641 Attercliffe Road, then transferred to the site at Norton when it finally opened. Initially it was known as No. 16 Balloon Centre Lightwood, after the nearby Lightwood Lane. By September 1939 three squadrons were ready to defend the city. These were 393 West, 940 Rotherham and 941 Central squadrons. Initially each squadron had three flights each with eight balloons. However at its full strength there were a total of 72 Balloons which could be deployed to defend the city. Later the squadrons were merged into two. Not only did the site house balloons, but much general maintenance and training was performed at the site. The site played an important role in defending the city during the Blitz on Sheffield in December 1940.  There were three main hangars at the site and many additional buildings. Many call the site 'Norton Aerodrome' which is incorrect, as aircraft were not stationed at the site. However, the misunderstanding is understandable: the site was built to look like an airfield in order to lure enemy aircraft to bomb it rather than the factories of Sheffield. By 1943 the threat was receding. The site was handed over to the Signals Division and renamed RAF Norton. It now took on a training role, housing the no. 3 Ground Radio Servicing Squadron. Also of note was the nearby camp at Cinderhill Lane where German prisoners were housed. This was not a prisoner of war camp but a work camp.  After the War After the war the site continued as a training site and depot. Many remember the Spitfire which was situated at the site for many years acting as receptionist! Lancaster bombers would fly past the site. The site finally closed in 1965 with its functions being moved to Rutland.  Above: Much of the site has reverted to natural woodland and is an important area of open greenspace used by the local community and wildlife. RAF Norton: A wildlife haven Today RAF Norton has been reclaimed by wildlife. It is one of the last remaining green areas following extensive suburban development in the surrounding Norton village. It provide an important green buffer and is part of the cities greenbelt space. The site is reverting back to its natural woodland state and fits in well with the adjoining rural woodland. Important wildlife species have found a precious haven here. Such sites are now recognised as providing places of refuge for many natural species under threat elsewhere. Trees such as native Oak, Ash and Elm are growing on the site. Special plants which only grow in such locations such as Sweet Woodruff can be seen. These thrive without the chemical treatment seen on nearby farmland. Mammals seen on the site include Badgers, Muntjac and Roe Deer. Bats are a frequent site flying over the site and find important roosting sites in the nearby buildings. Species such as Noctule find an important home here.
 Protection The site currently has no protection status however many of the precious wildlife species do have protection. The bat species living on the site are protected under the Habitats Directive.
References Thanks to the Moss Valley Wildlife Group. Sorby Wildlife Group.
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