Area Society: Derbyshire

'Committed to the conservation of native amphibians and reptiles and their natural environment by supporting the development of a network of independent volunteer amphibian and reptile groups ... Each Group works with the species in its locality, and these provide the "grass roots" of native herpetofauna conservation in the UK; undertaking survey and monitoring, practical conservation tasks, public events and outreach and liaising with stakeholders including local planning authorities, land owners, other conservation bodies, and the wider public.'

'Exists to promote and enhance the welfare, conservation and protection of badgers, their setts, and their habitats. We are the leading voice for badgers in England and Wales, with a network of around 60 local voluntary badger groups, and supported by thousands of supporters and followers ... They are a great way to get involved, meet other badger enthusiasts and make a difference to your local badgers.'

'Supports local bat groups across the UK and over 6000 members. We work with volunteers, scientists, industry and government both locally and nationally on a range of projects ... Whether you are a bat-beginner or an expert you are sure to find an event to interest you ... Year round the Bat Conservation Trust, local bat groups as well as conservation and community organisations arrange bat events across the UK from training courses to bat walks for families.'

'The Society was founded in 1982 when cottage garden plants were becoming "unfashionable". Those starting the Society wanted to protect this vanishing planting style. They were concerned that, in the move to easily maintained gardens, hard landscaping was becoming more important than the plants ... The Society has around 35 regional groups, some with as few as seven members and some with over 200. Most groups meet monthly and have talks in winter and visits to gardens and plant sales in spring and summer.'

'We love hardy perennials for their variety, colours, shapes, sizes and longevity. We help each other to grow them better, to try different species and we exchange and spread information about them ... Local Group membership is open to all members of the national HPS. Most groups charge a small additional subscription. Groups welcome new members and visitors; they are a great way for those of all ages and levels of experience to share their enthusiasm for plants and gardening ... Most Groups offer ... talks by experts with the opportunity to ask questions and talk to them.'

'We are the charity that campaigns to protect and restore the country's 7,000 miles of inland waterways ... We campaign locally and nationally for the waterways – supporting restorations, lobbying parliament, championing regeneration and raising waterways users concerns ... Our members and volunteers are waterways-lovers from all walks of life who want to preserve and improve the network for future generations.'

'Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) are partnerships of a broad range of local organisations, businesses and people who aim to help bring about improvements in their local natural environment.' (NOTE There does not seem to be a readily accessible official list with Website Links of current English Partnerships. However, I have prepared Records within the relevant Localities for the 'live' English Partnership Websites I have discovered so far.)

'One in four of our native mammals is threatened with extinction, and many others are in decline. With Britain now recognised as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, urgent action is needed. We are working to give our wildlife a better future ... Local mammal Groups bring together people with a shared enthusiasm for the local environment and the mammals within it. They work to share knowledge and raise awareness, survey and monitor local mammals, provide local expertise and training in field skills, hold talks and events, and support the work of the Mammal Society.'

'Explore the role of the Association in supporting Peak Rail Plc in their ambition to reopen the former Midland Railway line from Matlock to Buxton. The primary functions of the Association are to recruit the volunteer workforce for the railway from our members and raise finances for carefully selected projects on the railway ... Peak Rail currently operates a Heritage Railway nearly 4 miles from Matlock to Rowsley in Derbyshire. Negotiations are currently underway to seek a significant extension northward towards Buxton.'

'In the belief that many features of the traditional accounts of the character and career of Richard III are neither supported by sufficient evidence nor reasonably tenable, the Society aims to promote, in every possible way, research into the life and times of Richard III, and to secure a reassessment of the material relating to this period, and of the role of this monarch in history ... The Richard III Society functions at a local level, both within the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world, through its regionally organised Branches and Groups ... The activities usually combine a programme of meetings and talks and, in the UK and Europe, visits to Ricardian sites.'

'The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) believes old buildings have a future. From cottages to castles and from churches to cathedrals we are here to help buildings and the people who care for them. Through our unique training schemes, courses, advice and research we help people put our expertise into practice ... Held every spring and autumn, the SPAB's popular lecture series offers three or four informal talks linked to an engaging historic building or conservation theme ... One of the benefits of being a member of the SPAB is access to our Regional Groups, who arrange visits, events, and meetings across the country.'

'The Wildlife Trusts is a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, on a mission to restore a third of the UK's land and seas for nature by 2030. We believe everyone, everywhere, should have access to nature and the joy and health benefits it brings. No matter where you are in the UK, there is a Wildlife Trust inspiring people about nature and standing up for wildlife and wild places. Each Wildlife Trust is an independent charity formed by people getting together to make a positive difference to wildlife, climate and future generations. Together we have more than 850,000 members, over 42,500 volunteers, 2,000 staff and 600 trustees.'