Parklife: Don Gorge and its unbelievable transformation over the years

"Park Life" is a new series presented by our weather forecaster Jon Mitchell, who loves getting out and about.

Throughout October, he will be visiting some of the region's great outdoor spaces, from the "traditional" to the "linear", meeting the volunteers who maintain the parks for the enjoyment of all.

Over the next three weeks Calendar will be featuring outdoor spaces such as the local secret that is Parkinson's Park in Guiseley, the beautiful Parkwood Springs in Sheffield and Pearson Park in Hull.

Jon's first stop is at the Don Gorge in Doncaster, which runs alongside the River Don. The green space has seen an amazing transformation in recent years.

In the 1970's the river Don was notorious for being the most polluted river in Britain, but now, 50 years later, the transformation has been astounding.

The Don Gorge is located between Warmsworth and Sprotbrough, the A1M and Conisbrough and is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Although, according to Liz Reeve from the Don Valley Community Group, that has not always been the case.

Over time the area has cleaned up its act, the weir now has a fish pass, so that salmon are once again thriving in the waters and volunteers continue to work with the authorities to keep the park looking its best. 

The Don Gorge Community Group has been operating for around 20 years.