We will be at the Sprotbrough Eco Fest running a stall with fun activities! Come and talk to us, learn about the River Don and our exciting All Hands on the Don project! There will be lots of stalls and activities to get involved in with other organisations.

This year we will be conducting butterfly surveys at Grassmoor Country Park as part of the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme. Come along to our weekly session where we will be following a set transect line across the park, counting, identifying and recording what butterfly species we spot. 

You do not have to have previous experience in butterfly identification as we will have a mixed ability group and visual training aids to help us in the field. 

These DCRT led surveys will be occurring on the first Monday of every month. If you enjoy the transect, you could look at taking ownership of the survey once a month and contributing to our target of a full 26 week dataset! This will involve sending your observations to Charlotte at DCRT who will submit them to UKBMS. If you are interested in taking on this citizen science project, come along to this first session or contact Charlotte via [email protected] for more information. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Butterfly surveys are best carried out on bright sunny days so be prepared for this event to be cancelled in rainy weather. Please confirm your attendance via email so you can be notified of any changes. 

When: Monday 3rd June 12pm – 1:30pm 
Where: Grassmoor Country park, South car park off Birkin Lane
What3words: https://what3words.com/ensemble.beards.germinate
Google Maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6AgsChe7MeeauAu28
What to bring: Wear suitable clothing for being outdoors and your own refreshments. If you have binoculars, bring them too!
Access on site:

Join the DOn Catchment Rivers Trust as we work to reduce the amount of Himalayan BAlsam on the Banks of the River Don at Hexthorpe Park. This day is a part of the All Hands on the Don Project.

When: Tuesday 4th June 10am-1pm

Where:  We will be meeting at the entrance to Hexthorpe Park at 209 Urban Rd, Doncaster DN4 0HH. What 3 Words: ///cats.amount.class. Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ixPMiyudBuMMqqNz8

What to bring:  We provide all of the equipment on the day however please wear suitable clothing for outdoor work including sturdy shoes or boots and long trousers. We can provide wellingtons to borrow on the day but please let us know in advance by emailing [email protected] or contacting task leader Anthony Cox.

Joining us? All are welcome however not all of our sites are completely accessible to all, please check the access advice bellow. Please let us know if you are coming as a new volunteer so we can plan accordingly by emailing [email protected] or contacting project volunteer Coordinator Anthony Cox 07384 543124.

Please sign up to this exciting training session by emailing [email protected]!

Learn to identify dragonfly species – The Goldsmith Centre, Sprotbrough, 9:30am-10:30am

A training session delivered by curator of natural science at Sheffield Museums and dragonfly expert Alistair McLean on how to identify, record and survey dragonfly species found around the rivers in the Don Catchment area.

There is a scheduled survey at Sprotbrough Ings afterwards (11am-12:30am) if you would like to put your knowledge straight to the test, with refreshments and biscuits provided!

Access:

The room has a ramp and wheelchair access.

Please contact us with queries on additional support needs

To sign up email Rebecca at [email protected]

Where: Sprotbrough Ings, Sprotbrough

Parking: On-street parking on Newton Lane under the bridge, google maps link: click here

Meeting location: On foot, take a right turn at the end of Newton lane, google maps link: click here

When: 11am-12:30pm

What to bring: Walking boots or wellies that you don’t mind getting a bit muddy! Bring binoculars if you have them.

DCRT will bring the clipboards, survey forms and identification sheets.

What to expect: Identifying butterflies and dragonflies can be tricky, so please ask if you are unsure and share your knowledge with others if you know any tips and tricks! These events are great opportunities to practice and learn ID skills, as well as contributing to county records

Refreshments (hot drinks) provided at the end of the event.

Joining us? All are welcome, including beginners. Please let us know if you plan to attend by emailing [email protected] or texting 07561588215.

Sometimes events are cancelled due to flooding on the site or bad weather.