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 5th August 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 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 this first session 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 6th August, 9:30am – 3:30pm 
Where: We will be meeting in the Ford Wheel Dam car park, S12 3YD
What 3 Words: https://w3w.co/ages.kicked.jazzy
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bq3PAnbJhG6CqK7T9

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.

Don’t forget to let us know if you’re coming along! 

Join the Don Catchment Rivers Trust as we help to clean up in and around the Bentley Mill Dike at Woodlands Park (Highfields Lake). This day is a part of the All Hands on the Don Project.

When: Tuesday 6th August 2024 10am-1pm

Where: We will be meeting outside of 13 Central Ave, Woodlands, Doncaster DN6 7RU. What 3 Words: ///beakers.expose.puzzled. Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xj8yTWEKxv57MZiY8

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, picking up litter and learning about the catchment history as we go. 

What to expect:

Join us to walk the 2.8 mile Brindley Loop, developed as part of a previous DCRT National Lottery Fund project named ‘Hidden Heritage Secret Streams‘. Cut off in the late 1800s by the creation of new railways, the remnants of the original Chesterfield Canal are often left unnoticed. On this walk, follow the forgotten line of the Brindley Loops, stopping at industrial heritage sites along the way. 

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 will also do some litter picking along the way and we will stop to take in the history of the route and to look out for nature! All equipment (gloves, litter pickers, bin bags) will be provided. A tea break will be provided by DCRT too. 

The walk is mostly flat, but sections may get muddy, so please wear appropriate footwear.
Distance: 2½ miles
Grading: Easy Circular walk, several stiles
Starting point: Renishaw Trans Pennine Trail car park 
Google Maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZJAdYm5udwaYHDgT6
What3words: https://w3w.co/contexts.eggshell.combines

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