“If we wait for governments, it will be too late. If we act as individuals, it will be too little. But if we act as communities, it might just be enough, and it might just be in time” – Rob Hopkins.

Transition Chesterfield is a group of volunteers from across our community. We explore practical, creative and inspiring ways to move our town away from reliance on fossil fuels, minimise the impacts of climate change and manage our use of precious natural resources.

We have various current projects and campaigns.

Who can join?

Everyone in and around the Chesterfield area is welcome to join. Membership is free, although if you simply wish to come to a meeting or try out an activity as a volunteer, there is no obligation to join at the outset. Projects and campaigns are formed as and when required to tackle different issues. The different projects and campaigns come together for our quarterly meeting or ‘gathering’. We also have a committee which meets monthly to discuss activities and plan future projects. Anyone is welcome to join our quarterly meetings and any member is welcome to join the committee meetings.

We’re doing as much as we can as volunteers, but we always need more help – we’d love for you to get involved. See our “how to help” page [LINK] for more details.

Why the name “Transition Chesterfield”?

We are part of the pioneering Transition Network, which began life in Totnes in Devon around 2006. The Transition name came from the need for communities to transition from oil dependency to local resilience. There are now thousands of transition towns and projects globally, forming a movement of communities coming together to reimagine and rebuild our world.

Principles of Transition groups

Each Transition town is run in the way that best suits its needs and resources, but listed below are the principles that all transition groups, including Transition Chesterfield, aim to observe. Further detail can be found here:

  • We respect resource limits and create resilience
  • We promote inclusivity and social justice
  • We pay attention to balance
  • We freely share ideas and power
  • We collaborate and look for synergies
  • We foster positive visioning and creativity

What does Transition Chesterfield support?

Renewable energy • More energy efficient homes and buildings • Better public transport • More walking and cycling • Less waste • Re-use and repair • Less meat and dairy products • Organic, local food • Local industries serving local markets • Less plastics, fertilisers and other oil-intensive goods • Re-learning skills • Working together.