Doncaster Council

Partnership Representation

The Don Gorge Strategic Partnership was launched in October 2006, and consists of representation from Doncaster Council, British Waterways, the Environment Agency, Lafarge Aggregates, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Doncaster Museums Service, Natural England and the Don Gorge Community Group, and is chaired by Doncaster Council's Deputy Mayor.

The aim of the Partnership

To manage the Don Gorge holistically through a multi-agency approach for the sustainable management of its ecological, social and intrinsic values.

Background to the Partnership

The Don Gorge Working Group was formed in 1999, as local individuals were concerned about the future of the Don Gorge due to lack of cohesive management. A report was produced in 2001, outlining the recommendations for the future management of the Don Gorge.

The most significant recommendation to come from the Working Group’s report was the need for the organisations and individuals operating in the Don Gorge to communicate and work in partnership, in order to ensure a sustainable future.

Following on from these recommendations, a project officer was appointed through Doncaster Council (June 2005) with a remit of liaising with key organisations and stakeholders in the Don Gorge to formulate a multi-organisational Strategic Management Plan. 

The Don Gorge Strategic Management Plan

The Don Gorge Strategic Management Plan was produced October 2006, and with it, the Don Gorge Strategic Partnership was launched, to oversee the implementation and delivery of the management plan.

The plan sets out aims and objectives to be carried out over 10 years, and covers:-

• Visitor management, Access and Recreation;

• Areas of Geological, Archeological and Heritage Interest;

• Management of the river and Banks;

• Species and Habitat management.