Get Involved

The Friends of the Don Valley Way are a community group set up at the end of a National Lottery Heritage Fund project ran by the Don Catchment Rivers Trust known as the Living Heritage of the River Don. We aim to improve and maintain the walk set up in the LHRD project known as the Don Valley Way. The Don Valley Way is a walking route that runs from Wardsend Cemetery in Sheffield to St Marys Bridge in the centre of Doncaster (see w w w. donva l ley way.org.uk / ).

The Friends of the Don Valley Way

We meet regularly on most Tuesdays. We have undertaken litter picking, Balsam Bashing (clearing areas of Himalyan Balsam which is an invasive species) and generally keeping an eye on our areas of the river and canals. In the past we have arranged walks along sections of the Don Valley Way, the most recent being from Conisbrough to Swinton station and included the Heritage Walk around Conisbrough. The latter was interesting and we discovered some lovely hidden areas of the town that are worth a visit. The total walk was 6½ miles and although the weather was a bit iffy was enjoyed by all. Further walks will be arranged. We use the Don Catchment Rivers Trust’s events calendar, so if you’d like to join us details of all upcoming events are given on there: www.dcrt.org.uk

The Conservation Volunteers

"The Conservation Volunteers are the unsung heroes of the environment. No one will protect what they do not first care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced." TCV Vice President, Sir David Attenborough CBE

Who are The Conservation Volunteers? Every day, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) works across the UK to create healthier and happier communities for everyone. We do this by connecting people with green spaces to deliver positive lasting outcomes for both. The challenges facing communities in the UK today are significant and many – social, health, and economic inequality; lack of community cohesion; and an increase in isolation and loneliness, to name just a few. At the same time, funding for the care of green spaces, which are essential to the health and happiness of any community, continues to diminish. TCV in Doncaster TCV is proud to work closely with The Land Trust in Doncaster to manage two of the area’s natural assets – Brodsworth and Bentley Community Woodlands. Both former colliery tips, these two Community Woodlands provide free year-round access to almost 20km of tracks and trails. These lead through young woodland, by lakes and wetlands, meadows, valleys and glades. They are wonderful sites to get outdoors, explore, walk, cycle, go horse riding, and play. The woodlands themselves are owned by the Land Trust, an independent charity that is committed to the long-term and sustainable management of open space for the benefit of communities. The best way to find out more is to visit the woodlands for yourself or join in one of our many free events that take place throughout the year. For full details visit www.tcv.org.uk or contact us for a free leaflet about all our activities e: southyorkshire@ tcv.org.uk t: 01302 388832. Join in, feel good Volunteering with TCV in Doncaster is not only a great way to improve your health and wellbeing, but it will help ensure the ongoing transformation of these former industrial sites into mature woodlands, to be enjoyed for generations to come.

We welcome volunteers in a wide range of roles. There are always interesting activities to get involved with, new skills to learn, and likeminded people to meet.

We have a weekly volunteer day at Brodsworth with our Biodiversity Action Team running from 10am until 3pm.

For those wanting to do more we have opportunities to join us on placement as a Key Volunteer. Key Volunteers aid us in delivering our sessions, maintaining the sites, and helping to lead positive activity within the community.

We’re always here to support volunteers and we provide a full package of training, expenses and support. To find out about our current Key Volunteer and Voluntary Officer roles then please contact us.

‘Volunteering has helped me to come out of my shell and increased my confidence. I love it!’

Aidan – Winner of the Land Trust National Volunteer of the Year award 2019, for his involvement with the Biodiversity Action Team on Brodsworth.

Find out more at www.tcv.org.uk for more about the Land Trust and both Community Woodlands visit www.thelandtrust.org.uk