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March | March | 1 - Riverfly Monitoring Initiative Training – Old Moor
All day 01-04-26 Wednesday 1st April, 9.45am – 4pm
at RSPB Dearne Valley – Old Moor What can I expect?
Training involves an indoor classroom session as well as a practical survey of a nearby river, teaching you the kick-sampling method for riverflies.
We will go over identification of riverflies, health & safety, and how the data you collect is used to monitor river health. This is a certified course as part of the Riverfly Partnerships Riverfly Monitoring Initiative Lunch and refreshments are provided Volunteering This training is provided to you for free thanks to generous funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Don Catchment Rivers Trust.
Volunteering after the training is a commitment of ideally one river survey a month between the months of April-November – nearest RMI group to Doncaster is on the river Went near Wentbridge-Ackworth - Shoe size (if you need to borrow wellies)
- Any specific dietary requirements/allergies
- Any access requirements or support/medical needs that might affect you on the day
- Which rivers you live near or would like to survey
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6 | 7 - Barnby Dun – Cleanup Day
10:00 -13:00 07-04-26 Forstead Land, Barnby Dun, Doncaster  Join the Don Catchment Rivers Trust as we work to remove litter from the bank of the River Don at Barnby Dun. This day is a part of the All Hands on the Don project. When: Tuesday 7th April 2026 10am-1pm Where: We will be meeting in the car park next to the cannal in Barnby Dun off Forstead Lane. What 3 Words: ///surely.cork.purchaser. Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DGArLnVv4Za63aVc6 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.
| 8 - Dronfield Environmental Fun Day
10:00 -16:00 08-04-26 Cannot determine address at this location.  Find our stall at the Dronfield Environmental Fun Day. This community organised day is all about nature and sustainability. We will be one of 20 stalls at 3 venues in Dronfield Town Centre. We will be alongside the Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust, as well as energy advisors covering heat pumps, retrofitting etc. The DCRT stall will provide a chance to chat about the work we do and the potential for project opportunities in the Dronfield area. Please come along to chat to us about potential projects and collaboration opportunities. We will also run two river dipping sessions on the Lea Brook at 11am and 2pm so come find our stall at these times to join in. All equipment for river dipping will be provided but it is essential people (including children) come prepared in their wellington boots. Please see more info about the day on their website here: Dronfield Environmental Fun Day When: Wednesday 8th April 2026, 10am to 4pm Where: The Peel Centre, High Street, Dronfield, S18 1PY
What3Words: https://w3w.co/chef.flown.only
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xjvftj995VBNpYim9 What to expect: This event is free to attend. Come along for a chat and learn about nature!
| 9 - Queens Park – Clean Up
10:00 -11:30 09-04-26 Cannot determine address at this location. As part of DCRT’s ‘Hidden Heritage Secret Streams’ National Lottery Heritage Fund project that came to a close a few years ago, volunteers took on a legacy project to keep up the momentum of environmental volunteering in Chesterfield. Members from Transition Chesterfield team hosted a monthly litter pick, operating out of Queens Park in the town centre. They sorted the litter into categories to survey what our biggest polluters were. As their time on the project has also come to an end, DCRT are adopting their schedule! We will be surveying the litter we collect, and building on our dataset of what the biggest polluters are in the area. We will be returning to Queens Park on the second Thursday of every other month. On the alternate months, we will be focusing our efforts elsewhere in Chesterfield so please check the events calendar for more details. What: Litter picking along the footpath and cycle routes in and around the Queens Park. This will help remove litter from the environment that may cause harm to wildlife and before it reaches our river systems too. We will be walking on paved areas and not heading into any rivers on this occasion. When: Thursday 9th April 2026 10am – 11:30am Where: Queens Park, Chesterfield, S40 2JX. We will meet at the superbin on the footpath behind the cricket pavilion. Check specific location using links below.
What 3 Words: https://w3w.co/invite.button.sulk
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XgnzAZSEkQZThSXR6 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 and anything needed for the weather (waterproofs, sun hats etc). Joining us? All are welcome but 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 officer Charlotte Landry-Jennings 07561588275.
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13 - Nature Counts: Wardsend Cemetery Bird Survey
10:00 -12:00 13-04-26 1A Club Mill Rd, Sheffield S6 2FH, UK  Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, DCRT and the friends of Wardsend Cemetery have teamed up to collect Data for Nature as part of the Heritage Lottery Funded Data for Nature project.
We’ll be hosting monthly bird surveys in the Cemetery and on the riverside to help collect data and monitor birdlife in the area. If you have birding skills we’d really appreciate your help surveying, or if you are a beginner come along to practise your skills! Where: Wardsend Cemetery, Club Mill Road, End of Livesey Street, Sheffield
What three words: https://what3words.com/grows.cross.spine
Google maps link: click here 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 maps.
We recommend downloading the Merlin Bird ID app if you are a beginner to help with identification. Joining us? All are welcome, including beginners.
Please let us know if you’ll be coming so we can plan accordingly – email [email protected].
Contact and leader for this event is Sally Hyslop All data is recorded and can be viewed on the NatureCounts Website, Wardsend Cemetery Project. Access on Site: 
| 14 - Wetland Bird ID Training Day
09:00 -15:00 14-04-26 Cannot determine address at this location.  Join a free training day of wetland bird identification at the Potteric Carr Nature Reserve with birding enthusiast and expert, Dr. Emma Hughes! Date: Tuesday 14th April 2026 Times: 9am-3pm Where: Potteric Carr Nature Reserve Education Centre, please meet at the reserve entrance at 9am and we will walk over to the classroom together for a 9:30am start.
There is free parking at Potteric Carr. What to expect: A presentation in the classroom in the morning, followed by bird watching in the reserve with identification tuition from Emma Hughes.
Please bring binoculars if you have them. There will also be some pairs to borrow on the day. Email [email protected] to book your place! Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Photo – by Ian Carpenter - Burcroft Hill – Cleanup Day
10:00 -13:00 14-04-26 Burcroft Hill, Conisbrough, Doncaster DN12 3EE Join the Don Catchment Rivers Trust as we work to clen up the River Don at Burcroft Hill in Conisbrough. This day is a part of the All Hands on the Don project. When: Tuesday 14th April 10am-1pm Where: We will be meating at the bottom of Burcroft Hill, Conisbrough, Doncaster DN12 3EE. What 3 words: ///drill.justifies.liver. Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SwaHEA3WDs81jpoTA 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.
| 15 - Extended Riverfly Survey of the Went
10:30 -15:30 15-04-26 Cannot determine address at this location. Extended Riverfly Survey Day on the Went – Wednesday 15th April, starting at 10.30am.
Come and try out the extended riverfly survey method and help investigate pollution issues on the Went.
Our 3rd survey of the Went A1 Viaduct Outfalls aims to collect further data to better understand how the pollution from the A1 viaduct impacts the river Went.We will be using the Extended Riverfly survey method looking for 33 groups of freshwater invertebrate
Come and try out the extended survey method and up your identification skills at the same time! What is the Extended method?
Extended Riverfly is intended for people who already have a few years’ experience in using RMI. They should already be familiar with the basic eight RMI target groups and have got know many of the other river invertebrate groups. Extended Riverfly is an expansion of the original RMI method that uses 33 invertebrate groups, including the basic eight RMI groups. It includes most of the major groups of macroinvertebrates you are likely to find in your samples and gives more nuanced idea of what is going on in the river than RMI; the river’s quality, possible stressors and its biodiversity. Rather than being a replacement for the monthly RMI sampling, Extended Riverfly is best used on a seasonal (especially spring and autumn) or annual basis to assess, for example, the performance of river restorations or the impacts of outfalls. This survey day will help you gain the skills to become an Extended Riverfly Surveyor (please note you will need to attend at least 2 training surveys to get signed off as an extended RMI monitor). For more information about the Extended Riverfly scheme: https://www.riverflies.org/extended-riverfly-intro-2024 Before the day – please watch the training powerpoint lecture ahead of the day and complete the short online quiz Where: Meet outside St John’s Church to walk down to the survey site as a group (10 min walk) Parking is best on the road near the Wentbridge House Hotel, rather than by the church which is on a very narrow track.
Access: Nearest toilets are at Wentbridge House Hotel.
You won’t be expected to go into the river, but please wrap up very warm for a day in the cold!
Times: 10:30 – 15:30 10:30-11:00: Teas and coffees, intro to the day and the extended scheme 11:00- 13:00: Work together to identify first sample, record results
13:00-13:30: Break for lunch and refreshments (provided)
13:30 -15:30: Collect and identify second sample, record results Please RSVP so we know to wait for you at the Church and in case of cancellation
Cancellation: If it’s raining heavily or the river levels have risen we will postpone the event. Please check your emails before the event as we will decide this by 9am on the day.
| 16 - Catcliffe – Clean Up
10:00 -13:00 16-04-26 Cannot determine address at this location.  Join the Don Catchment Rivers Trust as we work to remove litter from the banks of the River Rother along Bamford Walk in Catcliffe. When: Thursday 16th April 2026. 10am – 1pm Where: At the beginning of Bamford Walk, outside of 5 Redstart Dr, Catcliffe, Rotherham S60 8EG.
What 3 Words: https://w3w.co/email.data.hobby
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/un5JSgfQjGLCTXTu8 What to expect: We will be navigating the banks of the River Rother collecting litter, bagging it up and bringing it back up to the van. The site is not paved and can be muddy. We will have a break at 11:30 am for refreshments and biscuits, provided by DCRT. 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]. Joining us? All are welcome however not all of our sites are completely accessible to all, please check the access advice below. Please let us know if you are coming as a new volunteer so we can plan accordingly by emailing [email protected].
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20 - Wetland Bird Survey – Fishlake
10:00 -12:00 20-04-26 Main Street, Fishlake, Doncaster Where: Great Ings, Fishlake
Meeting at: On-street parking on Main Street down from the pub/church
What three words: ///heaven.abode.portfolio
Google maps link: click here When: 10am-Midday What to bring: Walking boots or wellies that you don’t mind getting a bit muddy! It gets very cold on the site so wrap up warm
Bring binoculars if you have them or borrow a pair of ours.
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
| 21 - Hatfield and Stainforth Station – Cleanup Day
10:00 -13:00 21-04-26 Station Rd, Hatfield, Stainforth, Doncaster DN7 4EQ  Join the Don Catchment Rivers Trust as we work to remove litter from in and around the unamed stream close to Hatfield and Stainforth Station. This day is a part of the All Hands on the Don project. When: Tuesday 21st April 10am-1pm Where: We will be meeting on the corner of South End Station Road where it meets the footpath down from the bridge over the railway. Address: Station Rd, Hatfield, Stainforth, Doncaster DN7 4EQ. Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WjTPGYAmvXQ9QiK1A What 3 Words: ///inherits.stormed.cobble 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.
| 22 - Shirtcliff Brook – Clean Up
10:00 -13:00 22-04-26 Cannot determine address at this location. Join the Don Catchment Rivers Trust and S13 Litter Pickers as we work to remove litter from the Shirtcliff Brook in Smelter Wood. When: Wednesday 22nd April 10am – 1pm Where: Please meet at the end of Bramley Avenue, S13 8TU. We will be working in Smelter Wood.
What 3 Words: https://w3w.co/action.grab.crowds
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hjNn7KEN3t29XSxN8 What to expect: We will be walking along the paths in the wood, collecting litter and brining it back up to the road. The brook is fairly small and we will be hauling larger items out of it where possible using people power and ropes. We might also be removing some larger logs from the brook. We will have a break at 11:30 am for refreshments and biscuits, provided by DCRT. 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] to ensure we have your size. Joining us? All are welcome however not all of our sites are completely accessible to all, please check the access advice below. 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 officer Charlotte Landry-Jennings 07561588275.
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27 | 28 - Warmsworth Cemetery – Cleanup Day
10:00 -13:00 28-04-26 14 Heath Ct, Warmsworth, Doncaster DN4 9GE, UK Join the Don Catchment Rivers Trust as we help to clean up the River Don around Warmsworth Cemetery. This day is part of the All Hands on the Don project. When: Tuesday 28th April 2026 10am-1pm Where: We will be meeting at the entrance to Warmsworth Cemetery, Guest Lane, Doncaster, DN4 9NX. What 3 words: ///whimpered.lollipop.decorator. Google Maps Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/xHS87PNMaJo3WnTE8 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 Volunteering Officer Anthony Cox 07384 543124 (please note I am annual leave so won’t be contactable on the day). - Bat ID training and walk
19:00 -22:00 28-04-26 Cannot determine address at this location. Join the Don Catchment Rivers Trust for a free training session, learning how to identify bats! This session will be delivered by Principal Ecologist and bat expert Robert Bell. The first half of the evening will be a talk in the St Thomas Centre meeting room 1 about the different bat species we have in the UK and how to identify them. The second half of the session will be a walk through Somersall Park along the River Hipper and Walton Dam to see if we can spot them once the sun sets. During the walk we will have the opportunity to use bat detectors to identify different species by their characteristic sounds. When: Thursday 28th April 2026, 7pm to 10pm. Where: St. Thomas Church, Chatsworth Rd, Chesterfield S40 3AW
There is free parking at the centre. What 3 Words: https://w3w.co/winks.shop.river Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EHM43V3h6SnuZoSQ8 What to bring: Please bring a pen and paper if you wish for the talk. DCRT will be providing the bat detectors and lanterns for the walk. Please dress according to the weather and wear suitable footwear for walking along muddy paths. This event is free for guests and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. There are limited places available and priority will be given to existing DCRT volunteers. Please sign up via the Eventbrite link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bat-identification-training-and-walk-in-somersall-park-tickets-1759747525219?aff=oddtdtcreator
| 29 | 30 - Blonk Street – Clean Up
10:00 -13:00 30-04-26 Cannot determine address at this location.  Join the Don Catchment Rivers Trust as we work to remove litter in and along the River Don in Sheffield. We will be aiming to remove litter from the river banks. We will be accessing the river by the slope down from the footpath. When: Thursday 30th April, 10am – 1pm Where: We will be meeting in Windrush Way car park. This car park is small and fills up easily. Please do wait at the meeting place in case I have difficultly parking the van. For volunteers, I would recommend the Victoria Quays car park which is relatively cheap but a 5 min walk to the meet up point. Alternatively there is the NCP Blonk Street which is just the other side of the river so a shorter walk but more expensive. Either way, please claim back your travel expenses!
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/295NS9CCybuVYwi37
what3words: https://w3w.co/silk.sling.living What to expect: We will be working along the banks of the river, collecting litter and bringing it back up to the road. If there is time and the river is low enough, we will cross over to the island and pick litter on there too. We will have a break at 11:30 am for refreshments and biscuits, provided by DCRT. 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] to ensure we have your size. Joining us? All are welcome however not all of our sites are completely accessible to all, please check the access advice below. 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 officer Charlotte Landry-Jennings 07561588275.
| May | May | May |
