Dronfield Eye Directory issue 186 June 2021

Dronfield Directory 2021
Protecting our environment
D
RONFIELD is a wonderful place to work and play and
there are plenty of environmentally-friendly initiatives
going on to protect and further enhance the local
environment.
New trees, bursts of colourful wildflowers and a shiny new electric
vehicle out and about on the town’s streets. There are signs
everywhere that Dronfield Town Council has been busy delivering on
its pledge to do all it can to help the environment.
In September, 2019, the town council declared a “climate emergency”
and resolved to take action, to the best of its ability, to help towards
achieving a shift to zero carbon emissions by 2050 - sooner if possible.
The authority also pledged to help promote and encourage
environmentally-friendly initiatives that contribute to the protection of
the local environment.
The council’s Environmental Advisory Committee was tasked with
focussing on a number of projects. Despite the challenges posed by the
pandemic, great progress has been made.
On the nature side, new trees have been planted in Sindelfingen Park
and, most recently, five new trees have taken root at Birches Fold, Coal
Aston.
A tree-planting scheme in partnership with Ferndale Garden Centre to
give away trees to residents has seen more than 20 trees go to local
addresses.
An eye-catching
wildflower meadow was
planted in Sindelfingen
Park, blooming from
spring through to
autumn last year.
Following that success,
the project is being
expanded this year, so
there will be two
meadows at Sindelfingen
and two up at Hilltop.
Dronfield Town Council
Coun Lilian Deighton inspects
Dronfield Town Council’s first
electrically-powered vehicle
has also joined forces with the Lea Brook Valley Team and Dronfield
Junior School, grant funding the construction of a circular path with a
community garden on unused scrubland behind the school.
As well as being an area to grow produce, nurture wildlife and relax,
the footpath is aimed at providing a safer and more pleasant waking
route to school.
The more families walking should help reduce traffic on School Lane
and Gledhill Close, improving air quality.
Reducing pollution around local schools is another area for action with
discussions ongoing with Derbyshire County Council with regards to
installing 'no engine idling’ signage.
Meanwhile, the town council has taken a first step towards moving its
fleet of vehicles towards more energy-efficient models with its first
electric vehicle.
The new Nissan e-NV200 Combi is currently white but will be instantly
recognisable when it gets covered in new artwork designed by the
winner of an artwork competition run with Henry Fanshawe School.
Consideration is being given to installing more electric vehicle
charging points in car parks owned by the town council. It has been
decided to see how much take-up there is of points at the Civic Centre
before a decision is made.
Other projects have seen the installation of LED lighting throughout
Gosforth Lodge, in Cliffe Park, and a grant to support a community
event organised by Plastic Free Dronfield.
The council is also currently working on a project to identify the
council’s carbon footprint.
• Plastic Free Dronfield update: Page 46.
Main picture: Sindelfingen Park wildflowers
25 45