Ouston & Urpeth Conservation Volunteers are members of this federation of local community environmental groups. The aim of the Federation is to allow residents a wider say on environmental issues within the District.

One of the Federation's projects was the Connections Project. This installed a number of information panels around the District and created a series of walk leaflets that offer people information about Chester-le-Street’s wildlife and where to see it. This project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Nature and Chester-le-Street District Council.

These leaflets are available from Chester-le-Street Civic Centre (address below) and other venues.