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 10th September, 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 on Mill Road, Eckington (https://maps.app.goo.gl/W7GZ1pHCjDPeViU6A). 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 clean up the river Don around the Don Valley Way at Meadow Way in Swinton. This day is a part of the All Hands on the Don Project.

When: Tuesday 10th September 2024 10am-1pm

Where: We will be meeting at the end of Meadow Way, Swinton, Mexborough, S64 8AB. What 3 Words: ///rejoined.package.burns. Google Maps Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/ev7yKoeCpxZAPakq7

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.

Where: Great Ings, Fishlake 

Meeting at: On-street parking on Main Street, 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 practise 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. 

This month 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 2.7 miles Rotherham heritage walk (Don Valley Way Rotherham 2 – A meeting of two rivers). This was developed as part of the DCRT Don Valley Way (DVW). The DVW is a 29 mile walk stretching from Sheffield to Doncaster. This particular circular route is an offshoot of the main way, taking in Rotherham’s town centre and green spaces. 

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. 

This walk includes some steep inclines so please wear appropriate footwear. 

Distance: 2.7 miles
Grading: Circular walk, urban, paved, some inclines 
Starting point: Rotherham Train Station 
Google Maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/R1WETcy9dA5y1NMx7
What3Words: https://w3w.co/clay.storms.punk

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

Walk the story of the River Don with Don Catchment Rivers Trust founder Chris Firth, MBE. During this circular walk along the riverside, Chris will take us on a historical tour of the River Don, explaining how organisations have worked together to restore a once-broken river. Discover how industry polluted, chopped-up and changed the river, blocking the path of migratory fish, such as the incredible Atlantic Salmon. Observe the crimpsall sluice rock ramp, especially designed to re-connect our fragmented river and help bring back the incredible Atlantic Salmon to the river Don.

Please book a limited space by emailing [email protected] with your name and any additional info we need to know (access, support etc)

Where: Entrance to Doncaster Lock, Marshgate, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN5 9AD (full directions will be sent over by email after booking your place)

When: Thursday 12th September   |    4-6pm

Access: This will be an easy, short walk (2 mile) along a flat surface but please note the paths are unpaved.

This event is part of Heritage Open Day’s and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the All Hands on the Don project