Derby's parks fly high again with Green Flag Award success

Six of Derby's parks have once again been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award status, recognising them as some of the best green spaces in the UK.

This international quality mark celebrates the high standards of our parks and is a true testament to the incredible hard work and dedication of the teams who tirelessly care for them, ensuring everyone in Derby can enjoy these beautiful spaces.

The parks that have retained their Green Flag Award status are:

  • Alvaston Park
  • Chaddesden Park
  • Darley Park
  • Derby Arboretum
  • Markeaton Park
  • Sunnydale Park Local Nature Reserve

The scheme also includes the Green Flag Community Award, which highlights excellence at sites managed by dedicated community groups and volunteers. In Derby, seven sites have received this recognition.

These are:

  • Ashbourne Road and District Allotments
  • Chaddesden Wood Local Nature Reserve
  • Chellaston Brickworks Local Nature Reserve
  • Darley and Nutwood Local Nature Reserve
  • Little Chester Allotments
  • Markeaton Park Walled Garden
  • Sinfin Moor Park Local Nature Reserve
  • Spondon Sensory Garden

For the sixth time, Derby Arboretum has been awarded Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management of its historic features. New to this year, is Spondon Sensory Garden which has achieved Green Flag Community Award status for the first time, thanks to the dedication by Trees for Spondon.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council's Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said:

Once again, our parks and green spaces have been recognised among the very best in the country, and that's down to the incredible commitment of our Council teams, community groups and volunteers.

These awards mean so much more than a flag flying above a park; they reflect the real difference these spaces make to the health, well-being, and happiness of everyone in Derby, whether that's a quiet walk, a family picnic, or a place for children to play and explore.

I'd encourage everyone to get out and enjoy our award-winning parks this summer, especially at our Superhero Picnic and flag-raising events, and to join us in celebrating everyone who works so hard to keep them looking their best.

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said:

Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.

With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

Derby City Council have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Not to miss this summer back by popular demand Superhero Picnic in the Park returns as part of the national Love Parks campaign. Running from 11am to 3pm at each park, the free family event invites visitors to come in superhero costume, bring a picnic and take part in a day of activities including sports and craft sessions, gym activities, a superhero trail and face painting, with the line-up varying by park. This year's dates are:

  • Allestree Park — Tuesday 28 July
  • Chaddesden Park — Wednesday 29 July
  • Darley Park — Thursday 6 August
  • Chellaston Park — Friday 7 August