SPROTBROUGH  ARROW                           

October Issue No: 20

So, Autumn is upon us, the promised ‘Barbecue Summer’ failed to materialise and all we have to look forward to now are dark nights and cold weather  We did have some nice days though and one of them made a visit by the Mayor, his cabinet and several senior officers and members of the Don Gorge Strategic Partnership, a very pleasant event. 

As a community group, we were delighted when we heard they all wanted to come and learn about the Gorge and what is happening here.  It’s not every day that such custodians of power come among us – it must have been the promise of a boat trip followed by a cup of tea made from a Gillie kettle and drunk out of a plastic mug!   Joking apart, though, it was great for everyone to meet them and have the opportunity to share what we all love.  As I said, the morning began with a trip from Doncaster on the Wyre Lady, a reception on the island between the canal and the weir, a walk along the river bank to the lock to show them the old pump house which fed the fountain and the heated swimming pool at Sprotborough Hall, and then back through the wood to see the wild flower meadow.  The Don Gorge is such a wonderful resource for both wildlife and the population of Doncaster at large that it is worthy of every bit of recognition we can afford it. 

The conservation volunteers have continued their efforts throughout the Summer and the meadow was mown in mid-August in readiness for the six Hebridean sheep which have been steadily eating their way through the new grass ever since.  The idea is that the sheep keep the grass very short thereby encouraging the wild flowers, which thrive on the limestone bedrock, to grow in profusion.  Quadrats, ie metre squares in which plant counting takes place each year, is part of this exercise so that we will know whether this theory comes true in practice.  Volunteer shepherds have been trained to ensure that the sheep remain in good health and come to no harm whilst they are with us.  An added bonus of the mowing was that the hay was taken to Hampole, where an old tyre dump is being regenerated, and where it is hoped that the seed will ripen and set for next year.

Just before the schools broke up for the Summer holidays, I was asked to do a presentation at Warmsworth Primary School, as two of their classes were coming to the Gorge and wanted a bit of background information in advance.  Never having stood in front of 50-odd 9 year olds before, I wasn’t sure how it would go, but it seemed to work quite well and the children were great.  As a result, if any other school would like a presentation, we are open to offers.

The next volunteer dates are the 6^th and 20^th October and 3^rd November, meeting at the landing stage at 10 am.   As usual, all are welcome.

Liz Reeve, Secretary, Don Gorge Community Group

Email:  Reeve1944@btinternet.com

Website:  www.dongorgecommunitygroup.com