Woods are perhaps our most evocative wildlife habitats, with local passion demonstrated by recent concerns expressed by hundreds of people about trees and woods in Sheffield.

So why not join me for an illustrated talk at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Potteric Carr Nature Reserve in Doncaster on Sunday, March 2, from 2 pm to 4 pm?

It costs only £3.50 per person but you must book via Potteric Carr Nature Reserve on 01302 570077.

This illustrated talk will introduce the fascinating subject of ancient woodland, the subject of my recent book by Shire Publishing ‘Ancient Woodland: History, Industry and Crafts’. I also co-wrote the Woodland Heritage Manual, the national guidance on woodland heritage.

The lecture is based on over 30 years’ experience of researching and managing ancient woodlands. From wet woodlands of Potteric, to Yorkshire’s ancient bluebell woods, the survival of our woodland resource is remarkable.

The topics will span from charcoal and whitecoal making, to withies and clog makers, tan-bark, potash and more.

Woodland wildlife is closely linked to the ancient status of the sites and to the intimate relationships between human usage and managements over many centuries.

In recent years, there has also been the discovery of so-called ‘shadow’ or ‘ghost’ woods – occurring from lowland heaths and commons, to urban hedgerows and remote upland sites.

These are amazing connections to our history and past ecology.

So come along and find out more.

It makes a change from the depressing sagas of ongoing threats to local trees and woods.

On this theme however, I have had such a huge postbag that it is too much to report in the Wildside column, and so I will be posting up a discussion on my blog. Please follow that if you want to know more.

A letter from Maureen Wraith of Meersbrook, Sheffield, sums up many people’s feelings ‘Regarding the seemingly indiscriminate tree felling, which is very upsetting, what I would like to know is where are all these trees going? What is happening to them? I did hear there is a power station that burns wood. Did I hear this correctly, and is this where our trees are going? Do you know what becomes of them?’

Maybe somebody who knows can get in touch so I can pass the answer back to Maureen.

I believe that there are wood-burning power stations either open or opening across the region. One is on the old cooling towers site at Blackburn Meadows. I do not know if that is yet in operation.

I am broadly in favour of wood-burning systems but not if they damage ancient woodlands, or in this case they are suspected of aiding damage to the urban forest.

nProfessor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer and broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues, is contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.co.uk; follow ‘Ian’s Walk on the Wildside’, {http://www.ukeconet.org/|Ukeconet|click here} for more information.

Police have vowed to clamp down on two crime hot spots in Mexborough over the next month.

Residents have complained about incidents of anti-social behaviour in the Schofield Street, Graden Street, Hirstgate and Crossgate areas.

The Mexborough Safer Neighbourhood Team said they will focus patrols in the area for the next few weeks.

Plans to create a statue honouring the world’s first black professional footballer have been unveiled.

Arthur Wharton, who is buried in Edlington, broke boundaries in the game when he became the globe’s first black soccer star in 1899.

The Arthur Wharton Tribute project was launched at Rotherham United’s New York Stadium where the statue will be created.

2014 marks the 125th anniversary of Arthur signing for Rotherham in 1889 to become the world’s first black professional footballer. 

The statue will mark the achievements of this remarkable man who pioneered the way and created a heritage for black footballers in this country.

The guests at the launch were joined by football legends Cyrille Regis, former England International and FA Cup Winner plus Manchester United European Cup Winner Alex Stepney who are supporting the project.

The project is the brainchild of businessman Jim Cadman who will work with renowned sculptor Graham Ibbeson to create the statue. Mr Ibbeson, who has created world famous statues including those of Eric Morecambe, William Webb-Ellis and Don Revie, will sculpt the statue and a bronze maquette of the statue was on display at the launch.

This is privately led and financed project, which has the support of Rotherham United Football Club and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council as well as football players and football administrators throughout the country, plans to engage the supporters of Rotherham United and the local business community in the area to be actively involved in the project.

As Jim Cadman explained: “This year we celebrate the 125th anniversary for football when Arthur Wharton signed for Rotherham to become the world’s first black professional footballer. 

“Along with Graham I decided that we should mark such an occasion and it seemed only fitting that the tribute be in Rotherham itself, particularly as his family still live in the area. 
“We were delighted to have Arthur Wharton’s granddaughter Sheila Leeson and great granddaughter, Dorothy Rooney with us.

“We know that the project will attract interest from football fans and players all over the world and will bring a positive national focus on the Town and the football club.”

Tony Stewart, Chairman of Rotherham United added: “We are thrilled to be part of what is a very exciting project for the football club and for the Borough of Rotherham. We are delighted to be able to honour a remarkable individual who is still being talked about as a pioneer some 125 years after he signed professionally for Rotherham United, and thanks to this wonderful project Arthur’s achievements will be remembered for many years to come.”

Councillor Roger Stone, Leader of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council said: “This statue reflects what we’re about here in Rotherham – it’s about heritage, tradition, strength and resilience in the face of adversity. It signifies breaking down barriers and bringing the community together.

“Excellence, achievement and blazing a trail for others to follow are the values which we associate with Arthur Wharton – and that’s why we as a Council are endorsing the project, and encouraging local businesses and the community to get involved and to make it a reality.”

Mr Cadman has established the ‘Rotherham Sporting Guild’ which has already attracted financial support, and during the year other fundraising initiatives will include The Arthur Wharton Golf Day, The ‘125’ Football Match Challenge, and The Arthur Wharton Tribute Dinner, plus sponsored plaques and a range of supporter events throughout the community.

Arthur died in 1930 in Edlington and for 67 years was buried in an unmarked grave until a permanent headstone was created after an appeal to remember his contribution to the game.

More than 100 school children from local primary schools attended an event supported by Doncaster Council to tackle racism in sport and everyday life.

Organised by the anti-racist educational charity Show Racism the Red Card and hosted for sixth time by Doncaster Rovers Football Club, the event at the Keepmoat Stadium was one of a number of events being held up and down the country this year.

Pupils from Woodfield, Kingfisher, St Francis Xavier and Bentley High Street primary schools were able to grill Newcastle United player Oliver Bernard and current Doncaster Rovers FC players about racism. And there were workshops from Doncaster Pride and South Yorkshire Police.

Councillor Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Equalities and Cohesion, who made a speech at the event, said: “We are delighted to support this annual event.

“I am passionate about making Doncaster a great place that offers a bright future, full of opportunities and potential for all.

“Only by acting together – and very importantly, listening to and working with our children and young people – will we create a Doncaster that enables future generations to thrive.

“We all need to do our best to make Doncaster a better and safer place for everyone to grow up in. I want everyone in Doncaster to get the same life chances, whether they are at school or at work, to enjoy their lives free from bullying and harassment. This is what this event is about – showing young people how discrimination can rise up and making them think about how people may interpret their words or actions.”

Chief Executive of Show Racism the Red Card, Ged Grebby, said: “We believe education is vital in tackling inter-generational racism and we hope this event will have a positive impact on the young people attending.

“Hosting this kind of event demonstrates Doncaster’s commitment to tackling racism in football and society brilliantly.”

Former Doncaster Rovers’ goalkeeper Jan Budtz said: “Show Racism the Red Card is a great charity and that you can’t do enough to raise awareness.”

During the day, school children were also treated to a tour of the stadium and had a chance to meet their favourite players.

The expansion of an Isle business has led to 12 new jobs with more vacancies being advertised currently.

Epworth man Roger Priestnall invested in renewable energy solutions three years ago. He has run his Rolec business for 17 years and in the past 12 months has increased his work force from two to 14.

As people seek to reduce their energy bills by installing solar panels, his new venture has taken off, leading to the expansion of his company.

Demand has continued to grow and Mr Priestnall, 38. is now seeking office staff and sales advisors, with future plans for a call centre employing 15 people.

His fiancee Jayne Anderson has joined the business due to the surge in workload, although her background originally is in nursing and health visiting.

She said: “Roger branched out after identifying gaps in the market and a general lack of customer knowledge about the Government’s financial support for homeowners.

“Solar panels are a fantastic investment and with Government pay back schemes they ensure a profit for customers. Roger has been to Germany recently to personally see how solarworld solar panels are made, to ensure his products are of premium quality.”

All staff employed by the company are from the Isle, and include two apprentices from Haxey and Westwoodside, who were taken on this year.

Mr Priestnall’s sister has joined the staff too as one of the installation team.

The take-up of solar panels locally in the Isle mirrors that of the national picture, added Jayne, as over 500,000 home owners are generating their own electricity across the country, and taking advantage of the current subsidy that rewards those who do so.

Mr Priestnall said that strong reductions in the cost of solar panels have helped the growth of his business too, while enabling home owners to reduce their energy bills.

“We have plans for the call centre and have acquired new premises to facilitate expected growth,” said Jayne. Rolec has serviced over 65 homes within the Isle, and has a scheme offering cash rewards for referrals to other customers.

Fire crews will today return to the scene of a blaze which wrecked a Doncaster factory.

Firefighters from across Doncaster spent more than nine hours tackling the fire which ripped through blinds manufacturer Shades of Doncaster yesterday afternoon.

Residents in nearby Kirk Sandall and Barnby Dun were told to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed at the height of the blaze as plumes of thick, black smoke rose from the roof of the building on Sandall Stones Road.

There were no casualties in the incident, which began shortly afterb 12.30pm yesterday and it is not yet known what sparked the blaze which was attended by six fire engines.

No-one was thought to be working inside the factory and showroom at the time although the roof and interiors appear to have been severely damaged in the fire, which did not spread to adjoining properties.

Investigators will return to the Kirk Sandall firm today in a bid to establish the cause.

(Poor audio quality due to wind noise)

Marie Curie Cancer Care needs the help of a volunteer in the Thorne area of Doncaster to deliver, count and bank the unmanned collection tins that top the local shop and café counters on behalf of the charity.

Rebecca Turner, local community fundraiser for the charity said: “We have fantastic support from local businesses in the area and we want to make sure that every penny gets in the bank to support the local nursing service.

“You will have full support from the local office and also your own kit to fulfil the role. Last year, the small change in the collection tins added up to over £12,000, so the role is hugely important to bring in this vital money.’

The local office would love to hear from anyone interested in finding out more about the role who lives in Thorne or the surrounding area.

Please call Rebecca on 0114 279 3010 or email rebecca.turner@mariecurie.org.uk

Doncaster built locomotive legend Mallard has kicked off a new magazine collection put together in association with the National Railway Museum.

The Great British Locomotives Collection went on sale this week and includes a scale model of the world’s fastest steam loco, which was built at Doncaster Plant Works, for readers to enjoy.

Mallard cemented its name in the record books on July 3, 1938 when it clocked a record breaking 126mph - a record that has never been bettered by a steam loco to this day.

Designed and built by acclaimed railway engineering pioneer Sir Nigel Gresley, the A4 Class loco is currently housed at the National Railway Museum in York but made a rare visit to Doncaster last autumn as part of the St Leger Festival celebrations.

The magazine, priced at £2.99 for the first edition, will feature the Flying Scotsman, which was also built in Doncaster, in a later edition.

Police swooped to raid three suspected drug dens in Mexborough.

Specialist police teams executed search warrants to seize thousands of pounds worth of cannabis plants.

Officers found two cannabis production factories in Oliver Street and Coniston Road. They also found drugs production equipment at one property in Pitt Street.

Their combined haul totalled 48 plants. One man has been arrested and enquiries are ongoing.

Details of the operation were revealed at a Police And Communities Together meeting in Mexborough last Thursday.

Inspector Ray Mountford said: “We got 32 plants from the address in Coniston and 16 from the one in Oliver Street. A drugs set up was also found in Pitt Street.

“Drugs offences blight communities. You very often get people coming and going from these properties at all times of the day. If you are bothered by this then please tell police.”

Insp Mountford warned police teams are working on further operations.

He said: “It’s difficult to put an exact amount on street value, but it will be in the thousands. Action may not be taken immediately because it takes time to gather evidence, but we will always take action in the end.

“We also did a leaflet drop in the area to let people know about what we are doing. It is important to let people know why so many officers have been in one particular area.”

Police arrested a 26-year-old man at Coniston Road on suspicion of cannabis production. Nobody was in at the Oliver Street raid and enquiries are ongoing.

Officers have arranged to interview a man in relation to drugs paraphernalia found at Pitt Street.

Smokers in Doncaster will be given a helping hand to quit for the 31st annual National No Smoking Day next month.

The town’s Stop Smoking Team are pressing home the message that help is available for people wanting to kick the habit.

This year’s event takes place on March 12 and in Doncaster last year, 1,243 people quit –including 103 pregnant women – with the help of Doncaster’s Stop Smoking Service.

Worldwide, over 10 million people still smoke and around 100,000 people die each year from smoking related causes.

This year the team, part of Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, will be promoting support on offerto help people quit.

They will be at Eatons Cooper Lighting and Safety on Wheatley Hall Road to make the site totally smoke free and encouraging staff to stop.

They will also be at DRI Women’s Hospital and in the antenatal clinic at Mexborough Montagu.

Amanda Capper, Doncaster Stop Smoking manager, said: “Smokers are four times more likely to stop with the help of a health professional.

“There are a wide range of products that can help smokers deal with withdrawal symptoms and advisers can help decide the one that fits with their lifestyle.

“Smokers will find their health will start to improve quickly when they stub out their final cigarette.”

n Call 01302 640064 or drop in to East Laith Gate House, East Laith Gate, Doncaster for help.

More than 4,000 fans will cheer on Doncaster pop sensation Louis Tomlinson when he makes his Doncaster Rovers debut next week.

Fans from across Britian and beyond are set to descend on the Keepmoat Stadium on Wednesday night to see the One Direction star pull on the red and white hoops for the very first time.

Tickets for the game between Doncaster Rovers reserves and Rotherham United reserves have been snapped up from as far afield as Italy, Sweden and France with scores of teenage fans from across the country set to watch the Bessacarr boy band star in action.

The star is thought to have already undertaken a series of training sessions with Rovers’ first team squad in preparation for the game which will help raise funds for Bluebell Wood Hospice of which the singer is patron.

The Rovers’ squad member - who was given the shirt number 28 - will play in the Final Third Development League fixture at the Keepmoat at 7pm.

He has been a regular at Rovers’ home and away fixtures in recent weeks.

Gavin Baldwin, Chief Executive of Doncaster Rovers, said: “We are looking forward to seeing him against our South Yorkshire neighbours.

“We are expecting huge interest in this game with fans from all over the world set to visit the Keepmoat Stadium for this unique occasion.

“I’m sure Louis will be delighted to step on to the hallowed turf and officially become a Doncaster Rovers player for the first time.”

Tickets for the match are still on sale.

The game is free to season ticket holders and Rovers Alliance members, with space allocated in the West Stand on a first-come-first served basis.

Anyone who bought a ticket for the original fixture last year can purchase a new ticket at a discounted rate of £3, while all other tickets are available at £7.

Tickets are available from the Keepmoat stadium ticket office 01302 762576 or online.

£7.00 General tickets

£3.00 Supporters that attended the previous Final Third Development League fixture against Scunthorpe

£1.00 Adults with DRFC / Rotherham purchase history

50p Concessions with DRFC / Rotherham purchase history

Season ticket holders and alliance members free of charge (west stand only and must obtain a ticket) subject to availability.

Boy band sensations One Direction have rejected rumours they are splitting up - after band member Liam Payne admitted the five haven’t been together for three months.

The lads, featuring Doncaster’s Louis Tomlinson were reunited for the first time since before Christmas at last week’s Brit Awards where they scooped two gongs.

But Harry Styles has hit back at reports claiming the chart-topping boyband could be set to go their separate ways, insisting the group - also made up of Niall Horan and Zayn Malik - are simply spending some quality time with their families.

Insisting the Story Of My Life hitmakers are enjoying a rare break in their usually jam-packed schedule at present, the curly-haired heartthrob joked that he had started to forget what his own mother looked like as One Direction’s epic world tour took its toll.

Speaking to The Sun, Harry said: ‘We’re not breaking up. We’ve spent every day together for months and I forgot what my mum looked like. It’s just holidays.’

Liam revealed the boys are now working on their fourth studio album, and are preparing to start rehearsals for their upcoming Where We Are stadium tour.

Residents are calling for action on litter bugs in part of Mexborough.

People living in and around Harlington Road have complained about an increase in litter collecting on he street.

A Doncaster Council spokesman said wardens would focus their weekly patrol in the area and impose fines on anyone caught in the act.

Monday: SILK (BBC ONE, 9PM)

Silk made its debut in 2011 and is back for a third series, with its original stars, Maxine Peake and Rupert Penry-Jones, still on board. Martha is thrown into the thick of things when she’s asked to defend the son of the head of chambers who has been arrested for killing a police officer - and as the evidence stacks up against him, her job seems to get increasingly difficult. Female QCs are few and far between - there have only ever been about 300, according to Bar Council statistics - but Maxine had help when it came to research from a formidable role model.

“I met with Helena Kennedy QC at a charity event at the Royal Courts of Justice, around the same time I knew I was going up for the part,” reveals Maxine. “I remember thinking: this woman is quite special and I’d like to find out more.”

Tuesday: KIRSTIE’S BEST OF BOTH WORLDS (CHANNEL 4, 8PM)

Property expert Kirstie Allsopp’s straight-talking manner has turned many wannabe homeowners’ luck around. In this latest series she is once again working solo without co-presenter and right-hand man Phil Spencer, offering her expertise to people who are looking for the perfect home that will provide them with a slice of classic country living as well as being a stone’s throw from the city. The best of both - and it can be done, Kirstie insists.

With house pricing dropping for every minute further out of the city you’re prepared to settle - and a massive £1,300 for every minute’s commute out of the capital - it’s little surprise that people are looking to snag a country pile which is within a short commute to city life. And Kirstie’s going to show house buyers how easy it is to do just that.

Wednesday: SUSPECTS (CHANNEL 5, 10PM)

If Outnumbered can give a fresh spin to the domestic rib-tickler by letting improvisation add freshness to the show, why can’t the same be done for the good old cops-and-robbers drama?

The improv factor was one of the key things that attracted Fay Ripley to Suspects.

Explains Fay, who plays DI Martha Bellamy: “It’s fast and furious, and will hopefully grip the nation in a way that they haven’t been gripped before.”

In the latest offering, a woman has been attacked near the West Willow canal by a man wearing gloves and a balaclava. The fact there have been two other rapes within a mile-and-a-half radius makes them suspect the involvement of recently released serial rapist George Callahan (Peter McNeil O’Connor).

Thursday: INSPECTOR GEORGE GENTLY (BBC1, 8.30PM)

This retro police series takes an interest in the social issues of the time and in this episode, the last in the current series, it turns its attention to the 1960s decline of the coal industry.

Lee Ingleby, who plays Gently’s sidekick Bacchus, points out: “There were more pit closures in that time than Thatcher’s, which is fascinating. I think it was just the way Thatcher went about it that people found shocking.”

For him, it was a story that struck a real chord, especially when he arrived on location in Willington, Northumberland. “We were filming in an actual pit village that had closed down. It was art imitating life,” says the actor.

Gently and Bacchus (Martin Shaw) investigate the death of miner Arthur Hawkes, whose body is discovered in the pit.

Friday: JONATHAN CREEK (BBC1, 9PM)

Alan Davies has recently been bringing us his own take on the action from Sochi in BBC Two’s Apres-Ski. But now the games are over, Davies is getting back to a more familiar role, that of lord of illusions in a Paddington-style coat.

A musical version of classic 19th-century ‘locked-room’ novel The Mystery of the Yellow Room has been a huge hit with London theatre audiences, thanks to its mix of gothic melodrama, sizzling romance, and great tunes. But the leading lady Juno Pirelli (Ali Bastian) is found stabbed in a locked dressing room, with no weapon, no sign of any intruder - and no explanation as to how her attacker escaped.

It sounds like a case for Creek. As Juno’s life hangs in the balance, you know it’s only a matter of time before Jonathan returns to sleuthing.

Students at Doncaster’s Danum Academy recently took part in a Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Day.

The event invoved youngsters in the lower school showing off their skills by creating machines which they later used to race against each other.

Pictured taking part in the event are pupils Batika Sunuwar, Chloe Coleman and Caitlin Byrne. (Buy this photo D2008TS) Picture: Tony Saxton

Building work and preparations for the Isle’s first sixth form facility have begun.

A consultation period on the proposed sixth form unit for the South Axholme Academy has now closed, and a final decision on the matter is expected in the near future.

South Axholme’s headteacher Marie Lister said she hoped that a decision from the Department of Education might be forthcoming in early March.

The academy grounds are, however, being prepared for the arrival of 10 new modular classrooms, to be supplied by North Lincolnshire Council.

Should the bid for the sixth form prove unsuccessful at the last hurdle, then the extra space created by the sixth form ‘village’ would be welcome for general use, as conditions at the academy are quite cramped at times, said Mrs Lister.

She continued: “The work won’t create too much disruption, it is more of a minor convenience, and what we will gain if the sixth form goes ahead will be well worth this bit of upheaval.

“Fencing was erected before work started, and some trees have been cut back to allow access for vehicles. A gas main has to be re-routed and digging down for building foundations to be placed.”

A small part of the front school yard has been taken up for access, she added, and one tennis court is out of action.

The new classrooms will be placed between the academy and the adjacent Epworth Leisure Centre.

It is hoped the groundwork will be completed over the half-term period, to allow for cranes to move on site in the first week of April, to offload the modular units.

The expectancy is that work will be completed within 16 weeks, depending on a number of variables, including the weather, added the Head.

Some concerns about the future structure of the proposed sixth form were raised at a recent Epworth town council meeting.

Councillors who have been involved in education spoke of the need for more information.

They were concerned about the scope for subject options that will be offered to students, and whether new staff will be appointed who are qualified to teach at sixth form level.

Students from the Isle currently travel to Scunthorpe, Gainsborough or Doncaster to pursue sixth form studies. The plan for the new sixth form at South Axholme is to start small with about 60 students then work up to 200, or maybe more in the future.

Town councillors were keen to know if students would still be able to travel further afield if necessary.

A building behind a house in Hexthorpe, Doncaster, was set on fire last night.

Doncaster fire crews managed to prevent flames from the burning outbuilding in Abbott Street from spreading to other property after they were called at 11.40pm.

A spokesman said the fire had been started deliberately.

A horse that became stranded in a river on the Isle was rescued by firefighters yesterday (Sunday).

The early evening rescue took over two hours, for the horse to be lifted from six feet of water.

A farmer assisted the fire crew who used various forms of water rescue equipment and a teleporter to winch the horse to safety.

The animal’s owner, and a vet were in attendance as the rescue took place at Double Rivers at the junction of the A18 and A161 at Ealand.

The fire crew was alerted at 4.35pm and the horse was fully released by 6.55pm, to be left in the care of its owner and the vet.

A man assaulted and racially abused a group on board a train travelling from Doncaster to Cleethorpes.

Four male friends boarded the train in Doncaster and sat at a table seat. A man boarded the train with his girlfriend. As they passed the group one of them made a comment about the girls’ bottom.

The man became extremely aggressive and began to verbally and racially abuse the group. He then physically assaulted two of the men.

Officers are currently following a number of enquiries, including looking at CCTV opportunities from on board the train and at both stations.

PC Rachael Croft leading the investigation, said: “A woman travelling on board the train attempted to intervene. Was that you? We would like to hear from you. We also believe that there may have been a number of people on the service at the time of the incident who may have witnessed what took place.

“We urge you to come forward as you may have information crucial to our investigation.

“We take all reports of assault and racist behaviour very seriously, and will not tolerate abuse of any kind on the rail network.”

Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident which took place on Saturday, February 15 on board the 9.07pm service to contact them on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference NEA/B5 of 15/02/2014. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The fire service was called to an early morning street blaze in the Isle.

Some rubbish was on fire in an alleyway at Ashtree Close, Belton.

The incident that took place this morning was just before 1am.

The flames were extinguished quickly by firefighters.