Citizen Science
Citizen science uses the power of people to collect and analyse biological and environmental data, helping us better understand river health. By identifying which species are present, or missing, we can take action to protect and restore rivers and surrounding habitats. Activities include surveys, wildlife cameras, and anecdotal records which guide practical measures like installing nest boxes, or removing invasive plants. These observations also show how interventions such as weir removals impact water quality.
We also share this data with partner organisations to build a clearer picture of our catchment and its role in regional and national conservation.
Existing projects you can get involved in:
Fishlake, Doncaster Wetland Bird Surveys
DCRT are holding wetland bird surveys at Great Ings, Fishlake in Doncaster under BTO’s Core Counts Scheme. These surveys run once every month. Please check our events calendar for the next survey and register your interest via email so you can be notified of any cancellations.
Fishlake and Sprotbrough, Doncaster Butterfly and Dragonfly Surveys
DCRT are undertaking butterfly and dragonfly surveys in Doncaster at Great Ings, Fishlake and Sprotbrough Ings, Sprotbrough. These surveys occur once a month for both sites from May until September. Butterfly and dragonfly surveys have to occur on bright sunny days so please check our events calendar for the next survey and register your interest via email so you can be notified of any cancellations.
Wardsend Cemetery bird and butterfly surveys
Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, DCRT and Friends of Wardsend Cemetery have teamed up to collect Data for Nature. There are monthly bird surveys happening at this site in Hillsborough, Sheffield. In the summer months, there are butterfly surveys too. If you have birding/butterfly skills we’d really appreciate your help surveying, or if you are a beginner come along to practice your skills! Check out our events calendar for when the next survey is.
Salmon Recorder
DCRT have helped to construct six fish passes and two eel passes on weirs in the Don Catchment. This is to help with the return of Atlantic Salmon to the catchment. If you are walking along the Don and see a salmon, you can record it with us! Read more on the link below about how to identify the fish and how to record them.
Waterblitz – Slow the flow to Grassmoor Country Park
DCRT and Friends of Grassmoor Country Park developed a multi-beneficial scheme to help reduce flood risk, enhance and create wildlife habitat, and improve visitor access and interest. Ponds and earth embankments were built to allow the site to temporarily hold back water. Seeds were sowed to introduce a greater variety of plants to the meadows. Get involved by taking pictures around the site so that we can monitor how these features function and how the landscape is changing.
Riverfly monitors
DCRT coordinate three Riverfly Monitoring Teams in the Don Catchment – one on the river Went near Pontefract, another on the Holme Brook and river Hipper in Chesterfield, and the Sheffield River Rangers. The data volunteers collect helps to detect severe pollution events in our rivers and understand what invertebrates are in different parts of our catchment.
Invasive Species
Invasive species (or Invasive Non-Native Species) are those that have been introduced outside of their natural geographic range, causing environmental impacts. If you spot species such as Himalayan Balsam, you can report it via the Yorkshire Invasive Species Forum and action can be taken to remove it.
Past projects:
Wildlife camera project 2019
Using wildlife camera’s deployed and monitored by Citizen Scientists and in conjunction with MammalWeb, the project identified 1,138 mammals and birds on the River Rother at the Avenues Washlands. This was part of the Hidden Heritage Secret Streams project.
Interested in training?
DCRT offers training in The Anglers’ Riverfly Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) to riverfly groups. To find out more including fees, contact us [email protected] or click below to access our contact form.
Freshwater invertebrate training downloads
Thanks to our lead volunteer, Paul Hancock for these resources