Baslow Environment Group
Caring about the environment in Baslow and beyond
Caring about the environment in Baslow and beyond
We're a community group dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural environment of Baslow, a beautiful village nestled within the Peak District National Park. Here in Derbyshire, close to Sheffield and Chesterfield, we share a deep love for this special place and recognise the importance of safeguarding its beauty.
We're all facing environmental challenges, and the Baslow Environment Group aims to tackle these issues across four key areas: Energy, Land, Transport, and Birds. Through advocacy, conservation efforts, and community engagement, we strive to ensure a sustainable future for Baslow and the wider area. Since forming in the autumn of 2023 we have made great progress, including forging a working relationship with the Chatsworth Estate.
Whether you call Baslow home or are simply drawn to its natural wonders, we invite you to join us. Explore our website to learn more about our initiatives, discover volunteer opportunities, and find out how you can contribute to protecting Baslow's environment.
In August 2024 we set-up a Community Benefit Society (Baslow Environment Projects Ltd, Reg No 9368) using the standard Co-operative rules, to enable us to raise and manage the funds necessary to progress our projects.
Baslow Village Hall will be the venue between 11.00am and 4.00pm on Saturday 27 September 2025 for an event which will include exhibitors from suppliers of air source heat pumps, solar panels, thermal glazing and insulation. In addition there will also be break-out lecture sessions to explain and discuss the options for modern energy systems.
We're making progress on all project areas.
Following the planting of our tree saplings in March, over 700 tiny plug plants have been carefully nurtured by members of the Environment Group and of St Anne's church. And during the hottest days of the year we realised we had to plant them because they were outgrowing all their pots.
An intrepid team did a beautiful job of planting 3 beds of wild flowers and pollinating plants. More of the team traipsed up and down for days with watering cans to keep them alive until the rains came. And now they are flowering beautifully and insects are returning.
The first bird walk, led by Ian Johnston, took place on Saturday 10 May. All four target birds were spotted: pied flycatcher, redstart, garden warbler, and sand martin. There were over a dozen garden warblers singing. As an added bonus, a little egret landed in front of the group and 28 other species were seen making a total of 33. However, no swallows, swifts or house martins.
We've had the first stage report from the consultants which is very positive. It is technically feasible to get enough power for 60 homes from the weir (though it won't work like that).
So it seems like it's game-on, though it will be quite a long game.
Through our work, we:
Advocate for sustainable practices: We work with local communities, businesses, and policymakers to promote policies and practices that safeguard the area's environment.
Conserve precious habitats: We participate in conservation efforts to protect the area's diverse ecosystems, from its iconic limestone pavements to its vibrant wildflower meadows.
Educate and inspire: We raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire individuals to take action through educational programs, community events, and volunteering opportunities.
We believe that everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment. Whether you're a local resident, a frequent visitor, or simply someone who cares about the environment, we invite you to join us in our mission.