A friends group is a group of local residents and other interested parties who dedicate their time and knowledge to improve their local park or open space.

Anyone can join a friends group; you don't need to live in the immediate area to be a member.

What do friends groups do?

Friends groups help us by giving us a valuable insight into the needs and aspirations of the local community. They can help gain funding for restoration and conservation projects and can give opinions on proposed plans for the parks and open spaces.

Many friends groups run their own events and they often plan work parties to carry out clean-ups and conservation work. 

Friends Groups Roles and Responsibilities	(PDF 496 KB)
Friends Groups Worksheet	(PDF 646 KB)
Friends Groups Case Studies	(PDF 787 KB)

Setting up your own friends group 

You might wish to set up your own friends group. This could be because you would like to protect a natural area, increase public awareness of a park or open space, carry out environmental clean-ups or run events.

Friends Groups Roles and Responsibilities	(PDF 496 KB)
Friends Groups Worksheet	(PDF 646 KB)
Friends Groups Case Studies	(PDF 787 KB)

If you would like to start a friends group, please contact us:

Please get in touch with any suggestions, comments or ways you could help us:

• email greenspaces@chesterfield.gov.uk
• tweet @CBCEnvironment on X (formerly Twitter)
• message us on Facebook