Heritage charity launches drive to safeguard historic buildings in Chesterfield and Bolsover

The Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) is expanding its innovative project to safeguard endangered heritage buildings into both Chesterfield and Bolsover this Summer.

Two public information session for all those interested in the project will take place on Friday 5th June at Bolsover Assembly Hall Community Centre from 2-4pm and on Tuesday 9th June at Barrow Hill Memorial Hall from 6.30-8.30pm.

Attendees will be introduced to the B@R app and provided with initial training. These meetings offer the chance to speak with the DHBT team, get hands-on support with the app, and enjoy refreshments. Those interested in attending should visit the ‘What’s On’ section of the DHBT website to book a free ticket.

Since its initial introduction in October 2024, the Derbyshire ‘Buildings at Risk’ (B@R) initiative has continued to go from strength to strength, with the original two-year project made possible thanks to a grant of £207,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. To date, more than 175 committed volunteers have helped to survey almost 2000 Grade II listed buildings across Amber Valley, Derby, South Derbyshire and Erewash with the help of a digital app.

The app- created by the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust with support from Historic England- uses a colour-coding system to indicate each building’s condition. Volunteers can use it to identify structures that may require urgent attention. The data collected builds a continuous record, helping DHBT detect risks early and work with partners to prioritise the most vulnerable buildings.

Allan Morrison, DHBT’s lead Trustee for the B@R project, highlighted the exciting developments since its launch.

“This project really has taken off at a pace we never expected. Over 175 enthusiastic volunteers with a yen for heritage and history have, in the past 18 months, swept through Amber Valley, Derby City, Erewash and South Derbyshire, charting the condition of over 1800 listed buildings using a mobile device-based app. Their interest in engagement with local heritage has been very encouraging and with more volunteers being recruited, we aim to complete the rest of Derbyshire in the next two years.”

Volunteers can participate in the project whenever it suits them and at their own pace, which makes it an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to explore the history of the county and spend time outdoors. Along with opportunities for independent volunteering, the Trust also runs a programme of support and social events including ‘Social Survey Strolls’, drop-ins and 1:1 support sessions.

DHBT is collaborating closely with local councils, community groups and The University of Derby to ensure that the project reaches and benefits as many people as possible.

Following the project in Chesterfield and Bolsover, the project will expand to other areas of the county. Interested individuals, even those outside the current survey area, are encouraged to register their interest via email at:  [email protected].

For further details on the project, visit the DHBT website and social media pages @dhbtrust or contact Anna Cluley on 07478 462857.