Community representatives from across Chesterfield gathered in March to share progress, ideas and inspiration at the council’s latest Climate Change Forum meeting.
20 Representatives from local community groups attended the forum, which focused on climate change projects being delivered across the borough and how communities are helping to drive the council’s climate agenda.
Attendees heard an encouraging overview of climate-related community grant funding awarded to date, showcasing a wide range of positive projects already underway. The session included photographs highlighting the impact of the funding and the creativity of groups involved.
Since 2023, we have had seven rounds of funding applications, we have allocated funding to more than 100 community groups. Just over £500,000 has been granted, and 36 climate related grants were given, amounting to more than £179,500.
The community grants fund is set up so it can distribute a range of different funding streams. Over the past three years this has included the Neighbourhood portion of the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), and UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) government funding provided by the Mayor of the East Midlands and East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
Following the conclusion of the UKSPF, the Community Grants Fund will now include funding from the council’s CIL neighbourhoods portion and the Chesterfield Pride in Place Programme during 2026/27 and 2027/28.
The council has encouraged applications from groups with climate related projects and received applications in the following categories: energy efficiency, awareness, gardens, active travel, upcycling and solar projects.
The forum also welcomed Loundsley Green Community Trust, who delivered a presentation on the installation of solar panels at Loundsley Green Community Centre. This discussion demonstrated the positive impact that community grant funding has had on creating renewable energy for the building, helping to tackle climate change.
Two representatives from Hollingwood Sheds outlined exciting plans for a future development featuring solar panels, a green roof, recycled construction materials and wildlife habitats. Although the scheme is still at the planning stage, their detailed models and forward-thinking approach was a key talking point at the forum.
Friends of Dunston School also shared a pre-recorded video tour of their community swap shop, giving forum members an insight into how the project is helping reduce waste while supporting local families.
The Climate Change Forum continues to provide a valuable space for local groups to share learning, celebrate success and explore opportunities to work together in support of Chesterfield’s climate priorities.
If you are a part of a local community group and would like to join the Climate Change Forum to discuss local initiatives on behalf of your group, please email climate@chesterfield.gov.uk to find out more details.