Spotlight on volunteering: "It makes my day to get out and about, it makes me feel great!"

Members of the Friends of the Crags group share how they keep active through looking after their local green space, Conisbrough and Denaby Crags.

The Friends of the Crags are one of many fantastic local community groups across Doncaster who are passionate about their local area and play a key role in keeping the area clean and welcoming for others in the community to enjoy.

The group meet regularly to take part in litter picks on site, and organising led-walks for the local community, which are often themed such as bat walks, history walks and foraging walks to name a few. The Friends of the Crags was set up four years ago and since then a number of local residents have joined in with litter picks and walks. New members are always welcome to come along and take part in the planned activities, which are often free of charge.

Tony Sellars, Chair of the Friends of the Crags said: "We enjoy making the Crags a better place and discovering its history and attractions that had been lost over time, such as the bell pits, mammoth bones and stone railway, to name but a few. If you are interested in enjoying the outdoors with new and old friends, come along and join a themed litter pick and hear about the history of the area, whilst helping the environment. You can also become healthier and more active by joining one of our many walks, including botanical walks, foraging, themed litter picks and bat walks. All walks are free and you will be very welcome.

"All these activities are aimed at getting a greater knowledge of the area so our kids will remember their heritage, along with the health and benefits of these enjoyable activities that are guaranteed to help lift your spirits."

Friends of the Crags group member, Maureen commented: "When I was a kid, the Crags had a great playground and as I walk nearby the area it brings back great memories for me of my school friends having fun together. Although the original children's playground isn't there anymore, thanks to Friends of the Crags, we are able to enjoy using the Crags in many ways, such as organised walks and themed litter picks. These themed litter picks help us to understand and share the history of the Crags and its many attractions. Every time I go on the Crags, I get an immense feeling of well-being and serenity and I love meeting old friends and making new ones too, and it's keeping me active and fit."

Friends of the Crags group member, Maggie, added: "I love going on the Crags in my mobility scooter, meeting with people who want to say hello and stop and chat about the Crags and what improvements are being made. The views are beautiful, and the history of the Crags is a talking point - especially now that the totem poles are being installed. It makes my day to get out and about, it makes me feel great. My special treat recently was spotting two beautiful Partridges on the Crags!"

Being outside and around nature does wonders for people's health and wellbeing. Joining a Friends of Group also has the added benefits of meeting new people, giving back to the local community and doing something positive and social on your doorstep.

• Find out more about the Friends of the Crags – including events (led walks, litter picks etc) and volunteering opportunities can be found on their website: https://www.thecrags.net/
• Find out more about walking, including local walking groups and tips to get started: https://getdoncastermoving.org/walking
• Find out more about Friends of Groups in Doncaster and how to become involved: https://getdoncastermoving.org/dgsn
• Find out more about Doncaster's many parks and green spaces: https://getdoncastermoving.org/parks-and-open-spaces