Community champions gather to support nature recovery in Amber Valley
From community gardens to rewilding projects, nature is being nurtured across Amber Valley and a recent event brought together the people behind that growing movement.
Amber Valley Borough Council proudly supported the latest Amber Valley Nature Network workshop on Friday, May 17, at the Glebe Centre in Crich, celebrating local efforts and exploring new ideas to support biodiversity.
The session was led by Councillor Amina Burslem, Chair of Amber Valley Borough Council’s Environment and Biodiversity Scrutiny Committee, and Councillor Amy Trewick, Chair of Swanwick Parish Council. Together, they welcomed attendees from across the borough to hear from guest speakers and share ideas.
The event featured a talk from Ian D. Rotherham, published author and Emeritus Professor at Sheffield Hallam University, who spoke about the vital connection between nature, health and wellbeing. Attendees also heard from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, who shared a case study of a successful nature-based project in Chesterfield.
Councillor Burslem said: "It was really positive to bring together so many dedicated community champions. It gave them the chance to share their experiences, hear from an expert, and help shape ideas for future action through the workshop.
“We’re keen to hold regular meetings of the network, giving groups the chance to support each other and share progress as their projects grow.
"We also want to encourage more people to get involved. It doesn’t have to be something huge. You could join a local community group, start looking after a patch of garden or green space, or just begin by learning more about the nature on your doorstep. Every small action helps, and together they add up to real change.”
As part of the event, attendees took part in a hands-on workshop to explore key concerns in their local areas and identify the types of support needed to strengthen the work of grassroots groups. The feedback will help inform the council’s future plans to support nature recovery and promote biodiversity across the borough.
Amber Valley Borough Council is continuing to work closely with Derbyshire County Council and other partners to develop a five-year biodiversity plan, due to be considered by Cabinet in Autumn 2025.
Events like the Amber Valley Nature Network workshop play a vital role in bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and strengthening local efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment for future generations.
More News From Amber Valley Info
| CBeebies star Evie Pickerill joins Derby's 2026 panto Snow White Mirror, mirror on the wall, Derby Arena has the fairest pantomime cast of them all! Derby City Council's Derby LIVE read more | |
| 33 jobs secured following sale of Denby-based retail display manufacturer The sale of Derbyshire point-of-sale display manufacturer Derwent Displays out of administration has secure read more | |
| Council housing stock grows to 32 homes in Amber Valley Two years after bringing council housing back to Amber Valley for the first time in more than two decades, Amber Valley Borou read more | |
| Families Urged To Check If They Can Get Free School Meals Families across Derbyshire are being urged to check if they can get free school meals ahead of changes being introduced fro read more | |
| Mobile speed camera locations in Derbyshire during July 2026 Derbyshire Casualty Reduction Enforcement Support Team (C.R.E.S.T) will be carrying out mobile safety camera enforcement read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Food waste recycling is coming to Amber Valley From June 2026, Amber Valley Borough Council will introduce weekly food waste recycling across the borough as part of a phased roll-ou read more | |
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
