Resources

What we can do: Climate Action in Chesterfield

In the lead-up to COP26 (the world conference on climate change hosted by the UK in 2021), we gathered together a series of ideas, local examples and bold solutions to help spark action on change, rooted here in the local area. These ideas remain powerful starting points for action now. We’ve included these in our resources page so you can explore them at your own pace. Please note we’re developing this section and will have it fully resourced later this year.

🏘️ Zero Carbon Housing 

How can we design and build homes that are truly fit for the future? This session explored what it means to achieve zero carbon in housing - and how to make it affordable, scalable, and realistic. These notes from the discussion:

• Explore how developers like Positive Homes and Pure Haus are building to zero carbon standards. 

• Consider the role of energy efficiency, design, and materials in cutting housing emissions. 

  The discussion highlighted the role of design, materials, and lifestyle in reducing housing emissions — showing that zero carbon homes aren’t a luxury, but a practical necessity.

🚲 Zero Carbon Transport 

Transport makes up nearly a third of Derbyshire’s emissions, but cleaner, fairer systems are within reach. This session looked at how rail, buses and cycling can reshape local travel for people and planet. Our discussion considered the following (notes available here):

1. Campaigns to reopen the Barrow Hill rail line, linking Chesterfield and Sheffield with five new stations

2. The case for publicly owned and free public transport made by groups like We Own It 

3. Local access to e-bikes and inclusive cycling with Inclusive Pedals 

🍎Zero Carbon Food

Our food system has a huge role in climate change - but also big potential for solutions. Read our notes from the discussion to:

• Learn about the work of ShefFood/Regather Co-op, Incredible Edible Chesterfield and Inspire Community Garden

• Consider what we do can together to reduce carbon emissions and feed people in a more sustainable way

📚 Educating for Zero Carbon 

Real change needs education — and people of all ages are already showing the way. This session explored how schools, universities and councils are building climate literacy into every stage of learning to inspire informed, hopeful action.

• Bolsover Infants and Nursery School – Headteacher Fiona Cowan worked with eduCCate Global to create Derbyshire’s first certified Climate Teachers, embedding playful, community-based climate learning throughout the school.

• St Mary’s High School – Student Anna Marshall spoke about eco-anxiety and the gap between lessons and real life, calling for visible, consistent action in schools to keep hope alive.

• University of Derby – Dr Sian Davies-Vollum shared how the university uses the UN Sustainable Development Goals to embed sustainability across all degrees and prepare graduates for green careers.

• Local Authorities’ Energy Partnership – Dr Rina Jones described how councils are adopting Carbon Literacy Training to help staff and councillors turn global climate goals into local solutions.

You can watch the session or read our notes from the session.

🔁 Towards a Circular Economy

From fast fashion to electronics, we throw away too much. This session explored how design, policy, and community repair can create a future where waste becomes a resource. Read the discussion notes or watch the recorded session

• University of Derby – Rosemary Horry introduced the circular economy and how organisations and small businesses can cut waste and carbon through smarter design and reuse.

• Comply Direct Ltd – Martin Hyde explained how UK packaging recycling is funded and how legislation is reshaping producer responsibility and waste management.

• The Restart Project – Ugo Vallauri shared how community repair networks are championing the Right to Repair and helping people extend the life of their electronic devices.

🌳 Tree Planting & Natural Climate Solutions 

Nature offers powerful tools for capturing carbon, managing flood risk and restoring habitats. This session explored how trees, rivers and peatlands can help tackle climate change locally. Read the discussion notes.

• The Woodland Trust – Gerald Price outlined how tree planting, restoration and better management can boost biodiversity, lock in carbon, and slow the flow of water across landscapes.

• Don Catchment Rivers Trust - Debbie Coldwell shared how natural flood management techniques - from leaky dams to wetland restoration - reduce flood risk and improve water quality.

• Moors for the Future Partnership - Chris Fry explained how protecting and rewetting peatlands in the Peak District stores carbon, supports wildlife and prevents flooding downstream.

🐾 Rewilding

Rewilding helps restore biodiversity, rebuild natural ecosystems, and strengthen our landscapes against climate change. This session explored rewilding from academic, organisational, and local perspectives.
Read the discussion notes.

• University of Derby – Dr Andrew Ramsey explained the theory of rewilding and biodiversity loss, showing how restoring ecosystems — from wetlands to forests — also restores vital climate services.

• Derbyshire Wildlife Trust – Matt Buckler outlined local rewilding projects like Thornhill Carr, introducing beavers and creating wildlife corridors through the Wild Peak and Wild Derwent Forest initiatives.

• Local Rewilding Pioneer – Dawn Ward described transforming a former cereal field on the edge of the Peak District into a thriving mosaic of woodland, grassland and pollinator habitats through gentle rewilding.