Doncaster Green Space Network

Welcome to the Doncaster Green Space Network page. Here you will find information and resources to support existing members of the network, and information about how to join if you aren't currently a member.

The Doncaster Green Space Network (DGSN) is a collaborative network of community groups, volunteers and organisations, with the ultimate goal of supporting each other and the natural environment around Doncaster.

Everyone is welcome to join the DGSN – all we ask is that you share the network's vision for caring for Doncaster's parks and open spaces and wish to work collaboratively to support these beautiful green spaces to thrive, for everyone to enjoy. There are no costs attached to joining the network and no obligation to join in with every project or task. The network is an opportunity for members to:

• Share valuable knowledge and experience with other members, offer and request support from others and deepen existing connections across the network
• Work together to encourage more people to enjoy Doncaster's green spaces
• Work together to improve the presence of parks in Doncaster
• Promote and champion good practice
• Celebrate success for both parks and people.

There are many benefits enjoyed by current members, including:

• Access to funded insurance.
• Access to training, from essentials like first aid and funding applications to specialised training such as bat walk leading and horticulture.
• Access to a network that includes experienced volunteer groups and professional organisations such as The Conservation Volunteers, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England.
• Support in development of new and existing volunteer groups.
• Access to a range of documents for planning tasks, activities and events.
• Opportunity to form relationships with a diverse range of groups across Doncaster.
• Access to support from Network Coordinators.
• Access to shared resources such as tools and activity packs.

The Doncaster Green Space Network is supported by Get Doncaster Moving and City of Doncaster Council.

For further information, please contact dgsn@doncaster.gov.uk

Get Doncaster Moving and Well Doncaster are excited to share the relaunch of the Active Communities Grant, offering up to £500 to support ideas that help people be more active specifically within their local community and green spaces.

This funding is a great opportunity for DGSN members, community groups, volunteers, and local organisations who want to bring activities to life that encourage people to get outdoors, connect with nature, and enjoy moving more in Doncaster's parks, woodlands, and neighbourhood spaces.

We've already awarded over 170 Active Communities Grants across Doncaster, supporting new and innovative ideas that help to create opportunities for local people to be active, connect with others, and try something new.

Who can apply?

A variety of groups and individuals are eligible to apply, including:

• Voluntary or community organisations
• Registered charities
• Faith-based groups
• Not for profit companies, CICs and social enterprises
• Schools running community focused activities (outside the curriculum)
• Individuals or informal groups with a great idea

How to apply:

Applications can be submitted at any time and are reviewed every two weeks. Visit the Active Communities Grants page to find a detailed information pack, online application form, and contact details of your local Well Doncaster Officer.

Anyone who would like to carry out any activities, projects or events within any City of Doncaster Council owned park, woodland or green space must notify the council first.

This is to make sure that you are supported and anything you do is safe for yourself and others. The Council welcomes any ideas to help make our parks and open spaces a more accessible and vibrant place for communities, and are keen to work with you to help you achieve this.

What is classed as a task or an activity?

Something that is pre-planned that a group takes part in. For example, a friends of group undertakes a bulb planting session within a park.

Complete the 'Apply to hold a task or activity day in a park' online form: Apply to hold a task day or activity in a park

What is classed as a project?

Projects often involve changes to infrastructure and require careful planning and engagement with wider stakeholders and potentially community consultation. For example, install a new bench, put a new footpath in, create new signage or add a new sculpture in a park. Apply to deliver a project in a park

What is classed as an event?

A planned public or social occasion that members of the public are openly invited to. For example, a kite festival in a park.

Visit the council webpage for more information: Organise and stage an event in Doncaster

We are pleased to offer Doncaster Green Space Members the opportunity to borrow tools and equipment, free of charge, for use on their specified site within Doncaster. Please visit our Borrow tools or equipment page for more details and to make a booking.

If you are a member of the Doncaster Green Space Network and would like to undertake training to support you in this role, Get Doncaster Moving may be able to cover the cost of your training course.

Please contact us with as much information as possible about the training you would like to undertake, and the cost of this, and we will be happy to discuss this further with you.