Parks Volunteers in Lockdown

Tue 23 Mar 2021

Although the rest of the world has had to slow down during lockdown, the parks continue to mature and grow, wildlife need habitats, ponds need clearing and general maintenance needs to be completed, especially with the increased visitors over the past 12 months.

The parks team work hard throughout the year, but they are supported by the amazing volunteers, who have continued (following government guidance) to give up their spare time to ensure our parks and open spaces that are safe and flourishing places, for wildlife and a place for everyone to enjoy.

Here are a few of the activities the volunteers have been involved in.

Conservation work at Darley and Nutwood Nature Reserve

As much of our nature conservation works is completed for the winter 20/21 season, here are some pictures of the beautiful swamp at Darley and Nutwood Local Nature Reserve. 

Restoration work started two seasons ago and we’ve managed to reclaim this precious habitat from near extinction. The Derby Parks Volunteers now have it in their annual schedule to ensure the great work continues.

Our exciting finds include Scarlet Elf Cup fungi, a large stand of English bluebells, the bedazzling catkins of a hazel tree and lots of woodpecker holes.

Dale Road Park Ponds

In early March Derby Parks Volunteers helped to improve the habitat environment in the Dale Road Park Pond. Every year the volunteers help to clear the water of debris and remove invasive plants, to support the development of wildlife. Hundreds of newts were seen enjoying the improved habitat!

Also, if you have a dog, please keep them under control and don’t let it jump in the ponds, as this can disturb the habitat. Let's all help keep our wildlife flourishing in Dale Road Park.

Allestree Park Woodland Restoration

Volunteers set to work with the Parks Team to clear woodland as part of the woodland restoration project. Invasive cherry laurel and rhododendron were removed as detailed in the ecological management plan. The cleared woodland was then recycled to form habitat piles out of the brash which will decompose, returning nutrients and protecting the soil.   

 

 If you would like to get involved in volunteering on our Derby Parks Volunteer web page.  

When visiting parks and open spaces, please ensure you keep a safe distance and follow the government's COVID-19 guidance.