Resources

Welcome to our growing library of resources for sustainable living and community action in Chesterfield. Here you will also find useful information about our own organisation.

We’re currently regrouping and updating key documents for this section. A full set of resources will be added later in 2025, but we’ve included the most essential items here for now. Browse by category below.

Home energy resources

Practical guidance from local residents & experts

From insulating your home to making your own solar lighting, these practical guides support everyday climate-friendly living. Check current prices as these have been produced over a number of years.

Other useful organisations and resources

Active Travel & Transport

Explore our reports, walk-friendly guides and planning responses in support of a greener, safer Chesterfield

See our simple map showing travel times using public transport from Chesterfield

Surveys and Reports

See our series highlighting the good and bad walking and cycling routes in Chesterfield - Walks of Fame and Shame

Our organisation

Key information for members and volunteers

Useful Forms

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.

🏘️ Zero Carbon Housing 

How can we design and build homes that are truly fit for the future? 

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

  • Get involved locally by promoting low-energy retrofit and new builds in your area. 

🚲 Zero Carbon Transport 

How we move around is a big part of our carbon footprint — but alternatives are growing. 

  • Campaigns to reopen the Barrow Hill rail line 

  • The case for publicly owned and free public transport 

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

  • National advocacy via groups like We Own It 

🍎 Zero Carbon Food 

Our food system has a huge role in climate change — but also big potential for solutions. 

  • Learn about the work of ShefFood and Incredible Edible Chesterfield 

  • Visit the Inspire Community Garden to see local growing in action 

  • Think about how reducing meat and food waste can reduce your footprint 

📚 Educating for Zero Carbon 

Real change needs education — and young people are already leading the way. 

  • Hear from schools like Bolsover Infants and St Mary’s High School 

  • Explore the work of the University of Derby and local authorities bringing climate into the classroom 

  • Use our materials for school projects, community sessions or to share in your network 

🔁 Towards a Circular Economy 

From fast fashion to electronics, we throw away too much — but we don’t have to. 

  • Discover how the Restart Project is helping communities repair, not replace

  • Read case studies from Beyondly and local circular economy researchers at University of Derby

  • Join in through local repair cafes or share economy initiatives

🌳 Tree Planting & Natural Climate Solutions 

Nature offers powerful tools for storing carbon and building resilience. 

  • Support the work of the Woodland Trust, Moors for the Future, and Don Catchment Rivers Trust 

  • Learn how trees, peat, and rivers play a role in managing flood risk and capturing carbon 

  • Find out how you can help with tree planting days or local habitat restoration