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SPROTBOROUGH  HERITAGE,  ACCESS  &  RESTORATION  PROJECT  (SHARP)
 
This is an exciting project currently being explored by the Don Gorge Strategic Partnership and other interested parties, leadership being provided by the Environment Agency. 
 
 
Its overall aims are: 
  • to improve habitats, to encourage wildlife and a sustainable food chain;
  • to improve access for walkers, cyclists, wildlife enthusiasts, anglers and  canal users, etc;
  • to provide information to enable users to understand the importance of the Gorge area.
This would be achieved through:
  • working in partnership with interested groups;
  • funding or in-kind support from partners and funding bodies.
It is expected that it will be sustained through:
  • the work of the Don Gorge Strategic Partnership;
  • a River Don Catchment Trust;
  • a local River Stewardship Group made up of local people taking responsibility for reporting issues to the relevant authority, arranging local tidy-up days and continuing small improvement projects.

A major part of the project is to install a fish pass on the south side of the river to by-pass the weir, and a viewing platform would overlook this.   At present, fish have difficulty travelling up-stream to spawn and, in times of high water or flood, often get washed downstream.  It is hoped that by enabling their passage beyond Sprotborough Falls, the food chain will be improved and other wildlife will also benefit.

 
Amongst other things, the scheme also aims to improve signage for walkers and cyclists from Doncaster, Conisbrough, and the surrounding area, and improve footpaths.   An outdoor classroom would also enable local schools to bring parties of children to work in the area.
 
Whilst it is appreciated that this may well bring greater numbers of vehicles to the area, other means of transport are being considered and it is hoped that by improving access many more will be encouraged to walk or cycle to the area.
 
At this stage, no-one can be certain of the success of this venture, but all the partners are enthusiastic and hopeful of support from the main funding bodies.  The support of the local community is also very important and the Don Gorge Community Group and its Conservation Volunteers are a vital link in this project.  Please let us know if you would like to join us in supporting this exciting new initiative.
 
 
Liz Reeve