Links
Environment
Abundance
A project to harvest local fruit like apples, pear and plums left because people don't notice them, or can't harvest them, mainly between August and October. Abundance is a team of volunteers who help to gather city fruit and redistribute on a non-profit basis to community cafes, nurseries, Surestarts and individuals. They also make juice, jams, chutneys and preserves. If you have a fruit tree and want help, get in touch, you will get the first share. Harvester volunteers, processors and distributors also welcome.
Appletrees.org.uk
Julian Brandram offers talks, fruit growing courses, pruning, planting and selling fruit trees and soft fruit bushes. Specialising in traditional varieties, he also re-propagates, re-plants and advises. There is an extensive list of fruit trees at low prices, for sale from autumn to spring.
Aspire
Aspire is a Hillsborough based charity and social enterprise which provides stable supportive work for vulnerable or marginalised people. Supported in part by funders and volunteers it aims to become self supporting through business activities. The range of activities includes recycling and re-selling donated items, and a pack-and-post service. Contributions of items are welcome, and if you're looking out for computer or something, check them out.
Bag It Don't Bin It
Organic Fair Trade cotton bags, made in Sheffield including designs like I Love Sheffield
Barnsley Freegle
Freegle means Free Giving, Locally, Easily. It's an online re-use network, an alternative to Freecycle, for people to keep stuff out of landfill by giving away things they don't want, to people who can use them. Joining involves having a Yahoo account, which is free and easy. Most towns have a group, and Barnsley's was started in 2010.
Bio UK Fuels
Fuel suitable for diesel engines, made from locally sourced cooking oil. Save money, cut pollution, new supplies of cooking oil also wanted. Available Mon. to Sat. 7.30am to 6.00pm at Unit 17, Newhall Road Industrial Estate, Sheffield S9 2TW
Black Rope Walking Group
Black Rope Walking Group is a good excuse for libertarians and anarchists to get together for pleasant days walking and chatting in the hills and industrial valleys around Sheffield. Not forgetting refreshments in pubs along the way. Newcomers welcome, contact email: sheffield @ af-north.org
Books for a Better Future reading group
A reading group based in Sheffield Central Library, started in 2010. They read books that they hope will inspire a better future: green politics, etc. Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6pm in the library.
Chesterfield Freegle
Please do not throw your old stuff away. Someone, somewhere may still find it useful. Freegle means Free Giving, Locally, Easily. It's an online re-use network, an alternative to Freecycle, for people to keep stuff out of landfill by giving away things they don't want, to people who can use them. Joining involves having a Yahoo account, which is free and easy. Most towns have a group, and this is Chesterfield's.
City Car Club
Sheffield's pay-as-you-go alternative to owning your own car. Car clubs (used with other sustainable travel modes) can limit the dependency on car ownership, use and side-effects. Established in 1999, City Car Club is a commercial company, operating at a variety of locations across Britain.
Climate Action Calendar
Have a protest or meeting about the climate to publicise? Do it here! Service provided by Climate Action Network for Yorks and Humber.
Climate Action Network Yorkshire & Humber
This network raises the profile of climate change in our region, not by running events or campaigns but by publicising what is already happening. See their newsletters web page above, and also click their home page tab for more details.
Community Composting Network
National organisation, based in Sheffield, promoting at a national level community management and use of bio- degradable waste. A network of around 200 members, it produces guides, newsletters, and holds an annual conference
CPRE
Campaign to Protect Rural England: CPRE South Yorkshire promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of the South Yorkshire countryside, encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country. An independent charity (the local branch of the national CPRE network), membership is open to all. It welcomes help by donating or volunteering.
CycleSheffield
Cyclesheffield (formerly known as Pedal Pushers) is a force for cycle promotion in Sheffield. It is open to cyclists of all kinds from all over the city who want to see cycling taken seriously as a means of transport. Socials, rides, fun and campaigning. It is a key part of the coalition that aims to bring a sea-change to attitudes to sustainable transport in our city.
CycleSheffield is part of the national federation of cycle promotion groups in the UK, Cyclenation and they have a lively Sheffield cycling news and views website at www.scoop.it/t/cyclesheffield
East End Quality of Life Initiative
Air quality in the east of Sheffield is at shockingly poor levels. The East End Quality of Life Initiative (EEQOL) is a community led project campaigning about this and other issues.
Eco Eco
Organic and ethical clothes shop for men, women and children. Open Tues.-Sun. 10am-4.30pm (The Courtyard, 10 Castleton Road, Hope. Tel. 01433 623113).
They also run a home shop (Bank House, Market Place, Hope. Tel. 01433 621280) for eco-friendly paints, organic bedlinen and towelling, non-toxic bodycare and cleaning products, gifts and accessories for the sustainable home.
(Hope is in Derbyshire - just outside Sheffield on the Sheffield-Manchester trainline)
Ediculture Network
Growing plants to eat is the basis of "Ediculture". This Sheffield-based network is linked with regular courses and activities based on long-established and wide-ranging expertise in organic food growing.
Ethics Trading
An eco-friendly and fair trade business, committed to causing no harm to the earth, its ecosystem or its varied peoples and cultures - based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, also selling over the internet.
Home and garden products, skincare etc.
Friends of the Earth
Making life better for people by inspiring solutions to environmental problems. The Sheffield group is very active and meets in the city centre
Golden Harvest
Books, magazines, herbs and seed suppliers established since 1998. Bong! Happy birthday!
The Forum, Devonshire Street, Sheffield city centre. Tel. Sheff. 249 1311
Green City Action
Committed to raising awareness of environmental issues in the multicultural community around north Sheffield, and working together to improve the environment for all. This hard working organisation has a lot of activities going on, including festivals
Green Food Map
Eating and growing quality, healthy and local food around Sheffield: large and useful website with contact links for courses, growing and buying etc.
See also new project 2009 by CPRE - The food webs project - Food mapping, to link producers, retailers and buyers. Coordinator contact: Lizzie on 07833 250133 or email elizabethf@cpre.org.uk
Green House Sheffield
Reducing energy use in the home, is it tricky? This group is doing it, blogging it, and providing a load of excellent useful information for the rest of us
Green Left
This is an anti-capitalist network within the Green Party looking towards an eco-socialist future, based on the assumption that capitalism is a system that wrecks the planet and promotes war. It's a national thing and they don't have Sheffield meetings, but a few local people are members and there's a lot of intelligent online discussion here
Green Party Trade Union Group
This is a grouping within the Green Party which aims to provide a discussion forum and support for Green Party members who sometimes find themselves in a minority in their trade unions. It aims to further good relations between the Green Party and trade unions, and the labour movement generally
Green Roof Centre
An independent research and publicity organisation, promoting green roofs. Not a lot of people know that there are benefits to having plants all over your roof. Sheffield has a national demonstration site to show how it works
Green Scene
The Sheffield Star (newspaper) collects together green-themed news and blogs for an online environment section. Hardly 'alternative' but it's useful to see what's going on and what people are discussing
Green Spirit Hydroponics
Growing plants without soil can be highly productive, conserving water and land, and protecting the environment. This Sheffield city centre equipment supplier offers a large shop and advice from qualified staff.
Greenpeace
Environmental activism big time. The link above is the UK Greenpeace website, for local activities call 01226 248702 or see Greenpeace South Yorkshire web-page
Groundwork Sheffield
If you want to get your hands dirty with a broad range of environmental projects look into this large organisation.
Grow Sheffield
Working for a vision of urban food growing landscapes. Events and activities, exchange ideas and get involved
Guat Shoes (vegan shoes)
Guat is a long-established Sheffield company that makes shoes including vegan ones (non-leather). They are really solid quality and last for years, unlike the cheap rubbish in high street shops.
Guerrilla Gardening
Direct Action against the visual pollution of neglected land. Get in and get planting. Guerrilla Gardening has taken off around the world; the link above is the Sheffield and Rotherham part of a large discussion forum and website, guerrillagardening.org
Handspring Design
A multidisciplinary practice doing ecologically-focused timber structures, shelters, seats and stuff with features like alternative roofing materials and solar powered lighting. They've worked for several years, for public, private and community organisations. One of several eco-businesses based at Ecclesall Woods Sawmill, Abbey Lane, Sheffield.
Hazelhurst Community Supported Agriculture Co-operative
A group which owns a 9 acre field in the Moss Valley to grow a weekly supply of fruit and vegetables for members, using Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), permaculture and co-operative principles.
Hector and Cedric
Long established builders of low-impact, sustainable, timber-framed buildings, using locally produced hardwood. One of several eco-businesses based at Ecclesall Woods Sawmill, Abbey Lane, Sheffield.
Heeley City Farm
Community-based farm centre which leads the way on environmental good stuff, all free, great for a visit, specially with kids. Also has offshoots like South Yorkshire Energy Centre, community cafe and garden centre.
About 2km from city centre. Open 10am-4pm most days.
Iconic Eco Smart Solutions
A Green Network for South Yorkshire? Or just a good idea that became a dead website? Not much happening at last glance (2010)
Low Carbon Network
The Low Carbon Network hosted by the Business Environment Centre [BEC] of British Trust for Conservation Volunteers [BTCV]. The aim of this Network is to bring together VCF sector organisations with an interest in city-wide carbon reduction. Network activities have included; influencing the City Council's Low Carbon Strategy, and pulling together information about how the VCF sector contributes Carbon Reduction. Future plans include taking forward the development of a Steering Group for the network and having an electronic presence on the 'Sheffield is My Planet Website' [SIMP] website. Membership is open to all VCF organisations / individuals with an interest in carbon reduction for the city.
BTCV Business Environment Centre [BEC]: Sheff 2901255 Email: information@btcv.org.uk
Low-Impact Living Initiative (LILI)
A non-profit organisation helping people to reduce their consumption, and gain quality of life and new skills, with fun courses at various Sheffield venues. Their website is really useful as well
Manor Castle Green Party
The Green Party blog for Manor Castle.
Well worth a look, frequently updated, it covers environmental issues both locally and more generally.
Natural Building Specialists
Specialists in construction with respect for the environment, no job too small, unusual, or natural. Materials used based on their ecological performance and levels of embodied energy, Forest Stewardship Council certified timber, reclaimed and reused where possible. Expert guidance, skilled labour, and sensitive leadership to guide volunteers and involve local communities.
Oughtibridge Woods Access Campaign
Because a footpath across the railway line at Station Lane, Oughtibridge, has been blocked up, the only access to Wharncliffe Woods is via the railway bridge on Oughtibridge Lane. The bridge is dangerous and narrow, the approaches from both sides have blind corners, and cars drive too quickly. There is an un-extinguished right of way at the location of the old crossing and this campaign is fighting for a new crossing across the railway.
Re-Open the Woodhead Line
The re-branded Save the Woodhead Tunnel has become Re-Open the Woodhead Line as they believe re-instating the trans-pennine route is now a real possibility. Campaign demanding the Government hold to their promises on sustainable transport and re-open this rail line between Manchester and Sheffield, including the Woodhead Tunnel near Glossop in the High Peak. Read more details on Indymedia - Woodhead Tunnel articles
ReCycleBikes
ReCycleBikes is run by an enthusistic and friendly group of volunteers and full timers. It does service and repairs, refurbished second hand bikes and new stuff, cycle spares and accessories, green oil (!), training, maintenance courses, and it even runs free rides for children and young people.
Regather
Regather is a Sheffield co-operative, trading locally made products and services, with a shop, a van, a trike and a website, and opportunities for local volunteers, students and community organisations. Membership offers the benefits of mutual trading, share dividends and voting rights. Like all co-operatives it promotes the values of fairness, co-operation and common wealth.
Rotherham Freegle
Freegle means Free Giving, Locally, Easily. It's a new online re-use network, an alternative to Freecycle, for people to keep stuff out of landfill by giving away things they don't want, to people who can use them. Joining involves having a Yahoo account, which is free and easy. Because the Yahoo Group interface isn't totally easy to understand, there's a useful Rotherham Freegle Message Maker, so make a note of this web page if you sign up. Each Freegle group is a grassroots co-operative run by and for local people. Rotherham's also has a Freegle Café Group for members to chat about anything and to promote local businesses.
Schools and Homes Energy Education Project
Schools and Homes Energy Education Project has developed an approach to assist people to make informed decisions about their energy use. It works mainly with educational institutions and community groups, in particular but not exclusively in the use of sustainable and renewable energy technologies. It is linked with Solar-Active and has operated since 1993.
See Green
See Green is a new environmental education project which offers eco-friendly, alternative birthday parties including a birthday gift, green goody bags for all party guests, and environmental games, crafts and activities. Environmental education sessions are also offered for nurseries, schools and children’s centres, even cool stuff like paper making. Contact 07811 807164 or email contact@see-green.co.uk
Sheffield Campaign Against Climate Change (SCACC)
A friendly local group campaigning to avert catastrophic climate change. Actions, demonstrations, film shows and talks for local groups. They meet monthly in Sheffield City Centre, generally on the 2nd Tuesday of the month
Sheffield Climate Alliance
An alliance of organisations and individuals urging effective action on climate change. It is pressing Sheffield Council to engage with the issue. Through the alliance, groups not specifically set up to campaign around climate change can still voice their concerns on this urgent issue. Add your organisation or yourself to the petition.
Sheffield Conservation Volunteers
Constantly working on practical conservation projects like cleaning out ponds, tree planting, stonewalling and path laying. Meet every Sunday 9.30am on City Hall steps (opposite John Lewis store). Bring packed lunch and working clothes. Hot drinks and transport provided
Sheffield District CTC
The UK's national cyclists' organisation which encourages all forms of cycling and promotes better cycling conditions. In Sheffield it has various projects running, like cycle training, maintenance, campaigns and promotion of cycling, rides and social activities, the works.
Sheffield Freegle
Freegle means Free Giving, Locally, Easily. It's a new online re-use network, an alternative to Freecycle. It enables people to keep household goods out of landfill by giving away things they don't want, to people who can use them. Joining involves having a Yahoo account, which is free and easy. Each Freegle group is a grassroots co-operative run by and for local people. Sheffield's also has a "Freegle Café Group" for members to chat about anything and to promote local businesses.
Sheffield Green Drinks
A monthly social networking event for anyone interested in green issues and the environment. Welcomes activists, students, academics, community, government and business people
Sheffield Green Party
Campaigning on political and environmental issues, great help for contacts and also has a really useful website
Sheffield is my Planet
Sheffield is my Planet asks people to look at their own life and make promises to take action to prevent destructive climate change. Of course such individual actions aren't going solve things overnight, but they're trying... There is advice and news of other eco-initiatives in Sheffield.
Sheffield Renewables
Community-owned project working to actually build local renewable power supplies in the city, at Kelham Island and Jordan’s Dam. Profit generated will be re-invested in other projects which benefit the community.
Sheffield South and East Freecycle
Freecycle enables people to keep household goods out of landfill by giving away things they don't want, to people who can use them. Joining involves having a Yahoo account, which is free and easy. Each group is part of The Freecycle Network, an international and UK charity aiming to keep good stuff out of landfills. Sheffield South and East Freecycle also has a "Café Group" for members to discuss issues of recycling, the environment and so on.
Sheffield Wildlife Trust
Get involved with the city's largest environmental conservation charity, lots going on
Sheffield Zeitgeist Movement
The Zeitgeist Movement is the activist arm of the Venus Project, based on the ideas of Jacque Fresco and Roxanne Meadows. This non-static grassroots movement of around 300,000 people aims to investigate how technology, through the use of a resource-based economy, to free humanity from the crippling forces of fiat currency (paper/digital money), global debt and slave labour.
Sheffield contact: click to email
Solar-Active
This long-established Sheffield organisation offers unique educational resources, workshops and courses in sustainable development, energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
South Yorkshire Against Incineration
Doesn't seem to have a website, probably too busy fighting powerful Veolia's application to enlarge its Bernard Road incinerator (oooops, "Energy Recovery Plant") to allow waste to be collected from Barnsley, Doncaster and Chesterfield, sort of in conflict with the general idea of more recycling. There's a UK website UKWIN (UK Without Incineration Network)
South Yorkshire Energy Centre
Since 2006 South Yorkshire Energy Centre has offered advice and information on energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable building and affordable warmth. Its eco-refurbished house with interactive displays at Heeley City Farm (25 Alexandra Road, S2 3EE) is open to visitors, schools and groups.
South Yorkshire Permaculture Advisory Group
A wide range of free advice available on this sustainable, easy form of gardening and food production. Simon Piper Tel. 01909-561348
Stop HS2 (opposed to the High Speed Rail link)
This new pressure group opposes the HS2 High Speed Rail link, because the business case is based on unrealistic assumptions, the environmental impact has not been assessed, it is not green, the strategic benefits are questionable, and the money could be better spent on other things. They are campaigning through letter writing and have been touring the country on the ´Great White Elephant Hunt´, with Ellie, a huge inflatable white elephant!
Totally Eco 8
Sheffield based Totally Eco 8 design and produce insulation and other stuff for ecologically & socially sustainable construction, which exceed building regulations and the Code for Sustainable Buildings.
TP Trading
A huge stock of recycled wood is available from TP Trading, a new kind of business with its roots in social enterprise, giving work to local unemployed people. Its Thurcroft site is close to Rotherham and Sheffield. Check out what's in stock, prices are very good. As well as recycled wood for DIY projects they are developing products like quality sheds, garden buildings, planters, birdboxes, garden furniture, and offer units for start-up businesses.
Transition Porter Valley
A new (2009) group in the S10/S11/Porter Valley area of Sheffield, getting a local transition group going. This will cover stuff from growing fruit and vegetables locally, to awareness raising of the problems with fossil fuels and climate change.
Transition Sheffield.
A new addition to the growing Transition Town movement in the UK, raising awareness about climate change, peak oil, and Transition Towns. Events are open to everyone
University of Sheffield Green Party Society
This newly formed group (Dec 2010) invites students studying anywhere to join via Facebook or contact 07837 521226
We Love The Earth Centre
The Earth Centre is a large site on a former colliery, next to Conisbrough railway station (on the way to Doncaster). In the 1990s it was opened as an environmental visitor attraction ... then later it closed. What happens to it now is up in the air, so 'We Love The Earth Centre' is campaigning to make sure it's kept for community-based, sustainable use.
Wildscapes
A Community Interest Company, Wildscapes offers services in land management, ecology and landscape design (from habitat and protected species surveys to storm water, river and moorland management. You name it, they do it!) They work to support the environment and biodiversity, and also involve volunteers and encourage a sense of ownership towards green spaces and the natural world.
Working Woodlands Ltd
Working Woodlands is a not-for-profit enterprise promoting the sustainable use of woodlands and their products for the benefit of both wildlife and people, since 1997.
The gallery in Ecclesall Woods Sawmill (Abbey Lane, S7 2QZ) is a unique exhibition space for woodcrafts people, furniture makers and artists using sustainable local timber and locally-sourced timber products; firewood, charcoal and woodchip – all vital parts of the sustainable tree cycle. They also offer advice and support for new and existing sustainable wood-based projects, community initiatives and businesses. As part of this mission they develop, promote and deliver training and learning with innovative educational events on traditional woodland crafts, heritage skills and the sustainable management of woodlands.
Yorkshire Against New Coal
New coal developments including opencast and coal-fired power stations show that the Government is sticking its head in the sand about climate change, YANC campaigns for common sense.
