Derby’s ‘Green Heroes’ honoured at community awards

A celebration has been held to recognise the volunteers, community groups, and individuals who improve, maintain, and protect Derby’s public green spaces.

The Green Heart Awards highlight the crucial role of local volunteers in supporting Derby City Council’s Derby Parks team. From lifelong environmentalists to a 12-year-old rising star, this year’s award winners make a huge contribution to the city’s green spaces.

Held at Derby Arena, the awards recognised efforts in conservation, gardening, and community engagement across seven categories.

The Allotment of the Year Award was presented to Ann Jackman, who was recognised for her innovative gardening techniques and her long-standing commitment to supporting fellow growers. Ann managed Bramfield Avenue Allotments for around two decades and now has stunning plots at Markeaton.

Youth involvement was a major highlight of the ceremony, with 12-year-old Zachary Howard from Alvaston Park Friends taking home the Young Volunteer of the Year Award. He started volunteering before he was even two years old, helping with gardening and litter picking. Now a confident young man, he manages his own exhibition for the annual stargazing event at Alvaston Park.

The Dedication Award went to Ali Davies-Marsh, of Friends of Littleover Parks and Greener Littleover, for her work coordinating Great British Green Week 2025. She has encouraged sustainability, biodiversity and wellbeing in green spaces to educating the next generation though her creativity, warmth and unwavering dedication.

Rachel Taylor, chair of Alvaston Park Friends, was named Inspiring Leader for her work leading a small but dedicated group of committee members, organising volunteer task days and events including the annual summer community fun day which attracts thousands of visitors.

Jessica Beardmore, Kathie Mepstead, Andy Kerry and Michael Walsh, of Mackworth Estate Community Association, won the Unsung Hero Award for their maintenance of the area’s planters and Memorial Garden.

The Biggest Heart Award went to Estelle Cuthbert and Gail Anthony, from Friends of Allestree Park, for their years of dedicated care for the swans and water birds at Allestree Park Lake.

Darley Wildlife Garden Volunteers took home the Muddy Boot Award for transforming a park space into a beautiful, wildlife haven using recycled materials. The wheelchair-accessible gardens make a big difference to local people’s lives.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Parks and Leisure, said:

The Green Heart Awards are about celebrating our incredible volunteers and the vital part they play in ensuring Derby’s parks stay so vibrant and welcoming for all residents. We’re incredibly grateful for their hard work and the huge amount of heart they put into everything they do.

Find out more about volunteering with Derby Parks.

Image: Rachel Taylor receives her Inspiring Leader award from Owen Swift, Head of Climate and Environment at Derby City Council.