Swimming up a post industrial river is no mean feat when you are a salmon, trout or grayling. All these weirs get in your way of making it to the spawning grounds in the nice gravelly upstreams; and thats no exception on our local Don river and its tributaries.

Thankfully, fish passes have been built on the weirs.

Where there's a weir, there's a way!

But these must be checked regularly for obstructions; Leaping to the task were a (s)t(r)out team of GoodGymers: Rachel, Michelle, Cat, Celine, as well as Helen whose first GoodGym deed it was! Welcome Helen!

We were joined by Matt from Charity DCRT who shared his knowledge of all things weirs, fish passes and local wildlife with us, including the sand martins and the nest box in Kelham island - I'd never noticed that before!

Observing wildlife never fails to lift my spirits - it's always amazing to notice it on your doorstep, even in our urban environments. Giving wildlife a little care is even better! Join us on our next weir watch!

Thank you for all the fish (passes)...

5 Goodgymmers ran up to Durham Ox and met up with David. He handed all the tools to us and explained the tasks. Mainly clearing the cycle paths, cutting off shrubs and bushes that are in the way. Also litter picking, sweeping and clearing. Later Simon Heller came to volunteer too. Lovely to see a familiar face again and I ended up in the pub with him. Bad Gymmer with a glass of small red wine but very enjoyable.