Guardians of the Sheffield Don Weirs

promote biodiversity in our city centre


Location
Showroom Cinema
15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield
S1 2BX
Date and time
17:00 - 18:00
Wednesday, 6th of March 2024
Who this task will support
Weir fish pass surveys
Sheffield's industrial past saw the implementation of weirs on the River Don to power the factories. These flow control devices inhibit natural migratory paths for fish. To combat this, fish passes have been installed at the weirs throughout Sheffield. These are important for the movement of fish (particularly salmon) between habitats and breeding grounds. The Don Catchment Rivers Trust have been working on the River Don to bring back the salmon population to the area and now efforts are needed to maintain this. GoodGymers will be part of long term surveying and monitoring of the fish passes to ensure they have not been blocked and remain fully functional.

Note: this task is not a group run but each volunteer will log their inspection (see template below).

Building the fish passes was a big step in reconnecting the sections of the river in the salmon revival project. We now must ensure these passes are free for fish - including salmon! - to travel upstream and potentially spawn and downstream to mate.

We therefore need volunteers to inspect the eight weirs along the River Don on a monthly basis and record any blockages / debris / vegetation build up on either the upstream or downstream end of the fish pass.

To do this, we will take photographs of every weir and complete the template sheet to document any concerns and general status of the pass at the time of inspection.

Print or download a copy of the Template sheet, complete and return to Charlotte charlotte.landry-jennings@dcrt.org.uk

https://docs.google.com/file/d/1doBr_qRYS9eTfwb_vNThZOTEKRZZLg7M/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword)

All 8 weirs should be done within 1 week of each other and on a monthly basis but they can be done by separate volunteers. I have therefore stated a start time and end time of 31st January for the January inspection. Each volunteer should be free to inspect between Sunday 21st and 31st January.

This is better done in the daylight as there needs to be good visibility.

Additionally, certain weirs such as Steelbank would benefit from being inspected using binoculars. (what3words ///quite.using.called)

Charlotte plotted the route along the don here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2477765?

*Note that we will NOT meet at the Showroom.


How are you getting there?

Meet at the task
I will make my own way to the task
  • Unknown runner

Who's going

  • Annie Anthony Mays
  • Charly
  • Andrew Waters
  • Celine

Discussion

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Location
Showroom Cinema
15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield
S1 2BX
Date and time
17:00 - 18:00
Wednesday, 6th of March 2024
Who this task will support
Weir fish pass surveys
Sheffield's industrial past saw the implementation of weirs on the River Don to power the factories. These flow control devices inhibit natural migratory paths for fish. To combat this, fish passes have been installed at the weirs throughout Sheffield. These are important for the movement of fish (particularly salmon) between habitats and breeding grounds. The Don Catchment Rivers Trust have been working on the River Don to bring back the salmon population to the area and now efforts are needed to maintain this. GoodGymers will be part of long term surveying and monitoring of the fish passes to ensure they have not been blocked and remain fully functional.

Sign up by 4:00pm on Sunday 10th March so we can let Celine know who to expect.

Walkable

As you will make your own way to the task, feel free to walk or run as you wish.

Ideal for beginners

Showroom Cinema
15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield
S1 2BX

There's space to change and leave bags and toilets. We're not planning to do anything purposefully dangerous, but GoodGym takes no responsibility for your safety during group runs, you participate at your own risk. Participants accept full responsibility for items stored at Showroom Cinema, and Showroom Cinema and GoodGym will not be held liable for any losses or damages.


Celine
Led by Celine

loves her nephews, aikido, growing her food, bouldering, hiking, running, a good picnic or sharing food with friends & ... adventures!

GoodGymers helping out
  • Photographer

    Take photos for the session report

    • Annie Anthony Mays

What to look out for

Age Restriction

GoodGym welcomes anyone aged 18 or over. If you are under 18 then you will be unable to participate in any GoodGym activity

Make sure you've read our general guidelines for safety when running and at a task.

This event is organised by your Taskforce, a group of experienced GoodGym members in your area, they are not responsible for your safety. You should feel confident to participate in the event as it is described and you do so at your own risk.

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