Where: Great Ings, Fishlake
Meeting at: On-street parking on Main Street down from the
What three words: ///heaven.abode.portfolio
Google maps link: click here

When: 10am-11.30am

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 wading and wetland birds 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 practise and learn birding skills, as well as contributing to the BTO’s Core Counts records (read more about core counts here)
Refreshments (hot drinks) provided at the end of the event

Joining us? All are welcome, including beginners.
Sometimes events are cancelled due to flooding on the site or bad weather, please let us know if you plan to attend by emailing [email protected] or texting Sally on 07780333743

Access on Site

Join the Don Catchment Rivers Trust as we conduct habitat improvement tasks along the Moss Brook, SE Sheffield! 

We will be installing several ‘Large Woody Debris (LWD)’ structures. LWD is essential for healthy rivers, providing shelter for young fish, reducing fine sediments within the channel and trapping organic matter for invertebrates as well as a number of other vital functions. For more information on this and to read about a case study in Somersall Park, Chesterfield, click here. Working with our Fishery Habitat Officer – Matt Duffy – who will be using a chainsaw to fell trees into the channel, volunteers are needed to initially help ensure the felling area is clear of the public, winch trees into position and secure using metal cable and crimps. Winching can be quite physical so some fitness is needed.

These sessions will be happening throughout August and September but come along to see what it is all about! Please let Matt or Charlotte know that you will be attending the session by emailing [email protected]. This is particularly important as we need a minimum of three people to run the days. 

These are full day sessions. We will provide plenty of tea and biscuits but please bring your own lunch and water. 

When: Tuesday 20th August, 9:30am – 3:30pm 
Where: Meeting point to be confirmed – it will either be at Ford Wheel Dam car park at the top of the catchment (https://maps.app.goo.gl/bq3PAnbJhG6CqK7T9) or to the east, nearer Eckington. We will email you on the Monday to confirm so another reason to let us know you’re coming! 

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. Even if it is warm weather, it is advisable to cover up to protect against spiky plants and stings. We will provide wellingtons to borrow on the day but please let us know in advance by emailing [email protected] to ensure we have your size. 

What to expect: We will be working in and along the river banks, moving trees and debris. All training will be provided.

Join the Don Catchment Rivers Trust as we work to remove rubbish from the Swinton Breks off Lawrence Drive. This day is a part of the All Hands on the Don Project.

When: Tuesday 20th August 10am-1pm

Where: We will be meeting on the grass oppersite 19 Lawrence Dr, Swinton, Mexborough S64 8SN. What 3 words: ///belonged.condiment.dwarf. Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WRvJY2XSjoaekFZ39

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.

This August we will be walking our Heritage Walks around the catchment, checking on our waymarking signs and learning about the catchment history as we go. 

What to expect:

Join us to walk the 5.5 mile West Wood Long Walk, developed as part of a previous DCRT National Lottery Fund project named ‘Hidden Heritage Secret Streams‘. The West Wood includes some of the last remaining pockets of ancient woodland in Chesterfield. Some of the trees have been growing undisturbed here for over four hundred years. Ancient woodland over time has developed special communities of plants and animals that are not found elsewhere. 

On this walk we will be exploring Ringwood Park and the West Wood. Please be prepared for a very hilly walk with a few steep climbs – worth it for the lovely views! The ground can be muddy and slippery when wet, with lots of steps and slopes. There is also a small ford to cross, so please be prepared to leap over the brook or wear waterproof boots.

As part of our volunteer day we will be checking the status of the way markers and updating them if necessary with new ones. We won’t be doing litter picking on this route as we will be focusing on the walk – we will stop to take in the history of the route and to look out for nature! A tea break will be provided by DCRT too. 

Distance: 5.5 miles
Grading: Circular walk, hills, steps and slopes, small ford to cross 
Starting point: Ringwood Park car park, Chesterfield, S43 3HH
Google Maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/etT7yuYbRYcCsdrs7
What3Words: https://w3w.co/train.eating.sticky

If you are intending on attending, please let Charlotte know via email ([email protected]) or phone (07561588275).