New trees to join Derby Arboretum in 2022

Statue of hog in Derby Arboretum covered in snow

Derby Arboretum is expecting something special to start the new year. Seven different types of trees will be planted soon in the arboretum and add to the existing beauty of the park. 

Derby Arboretum, also informally known as Arboretum Park and The Arboretum, is famous for being Britain's first public park. It is picturesque with a fine collection of trees, and is Grade II listed.

The Arboretum was the first specially designed urban park in Britain. Joseph Strutt commissioned and donated the park for the benefit of citizens of Derby in 1840. The intention was a botanical tree garden for instruction as well as leisure.

2022 marks the 182nd anniversary of the park being donated to Derby. Over the years, the park has been a fantastic hub for events, park walks and plenty of wildlife. This year the team has decided to add to the beauty of the park by planting seven new types of trees. This is in an effort to grow the living space for local wildlife as well as to add new types of plant life to the arboretum that we can all help preserve and love. These new trees include:

  • Acer platanoides Crimson Sentry
  • Aesculus x carnea Briotti
  • Cornus kousa Chinensis
  • Davidia involucrata
  • Liquidambar styraciflua Worplesdon
  • Magnolia x brooklynensis Elizabeth
  • Magnolia x loebneri Merrill

There is not a set date for the trees to be planted yet, but the trees will be delivered to the park on Wednesday 19th Jan 2022.

If trees are not your sort of thing, there are plenty of other things to do in the arboretum. Have a stroll around the historic grounds taking a look at the historic landscape and animals the park is home to. Why not venture off the beaten track and follow the various trails.

The Arboretum and surrounding area is home to a number of historic buildings including the Orangery, Grove Lodge as well as remains of the East Lodge. The Orangery also regularly hosts a number of different art organisations with regular exhibitions and workshops.

Within the park itself is the historic and famous boar statue, situated in a beautiful spot, easily reached by the paths running through the park.

Friends of Derby Arboretum are working extensively on creating a new community garden within the parkland.  The garden is located on the former bowling green within the park.  The garden is a mixture of herbs and herbarous plants, which are attractive to wildlife as well as establishing a new community orchard with fruiting trees.

Read more about volunteering at our parks and Derby Arboretum Park.