Salmon River Don

It was a real pleasure to report on the good news from Sheffield this week that Atlantic salmon have been found breeding in the River Don for the first time in more than two hundred years. The wild-born salmon in the Don is the first evidence of successful spawning since they were wiped out by pollution and man-made barriers in the river. It follows more than two decades of work improving the Don including installing fish passes to reconnect the river, allowing salmon to return.

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Farmers Struggling

I've been filming with a father and daughter who are farmers in North Yorkshire and are really struggling to get by. Dr Nick Wilson from Hundayfield Farm just outside York farms says it’s the worst harvest he’s had in more than 20 years because of the extremely dry weather. He’s currently losing money and unable to make a living.

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Oxford Utd Commentary

The view from the press box

I had an absolutely brilliant time commentating on Oxford United's pre-season friendly versus Mansfield Town for BBC Radio Oxford. A career ambition achieved commentating on a 90 minute match and on the team I support! To top it off, Oxford United won. It was a pleasure to be alongside Jack Shoemark, from The Manor Podcast, who was my summariser and did a top job. Here's the short highlights of the match...

markansell · Mansfield v Oxford 22nd July 2025 Highlights

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The Reytons

I went to interview Rotherham band The Reytons ahead of their headline set at Sheffield's Tramlines festival.

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Abdullah Hit and Run

I've been to meet the father of a 16-year-old boy who died after being hit by a car while walking on the pavement in Sheffield. In June this year, Abdullah Al Yazidi died in hospital after being struck by a car on Staniforth Road in the Darnall area of the city. His father Yaser described the deep sadness he and his family are now left with.

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