Weeds to Wonderland: How volunteers are transforming Derby Parks

09 Jan 2024

Happy National Tree Week!

During National Tree Week 25 Nov – 2 Dec 2023, the Derby Parks team worked alongside Trees for Derby, Trees for Spondon and several other partners to plant over 2000 small trees on green spaces around the city. The weather was indifferent at times which made some planting very interesting!

National Tree Week is the kick-starter for a series of tree planting sessions during the winter season and there will be many more to come as we hope to plant over 5000 this year.

Keep a close eye on Derby Parks social media for more details.

Pondlife transformation at Spondon Park.

This week's task days have been spent at Dale Road Park in Spondon. Clearing paths of vegetation, brambles and over hanging branches.

Then the clearing of the ponds, how our volunteers love carrying out pond work. Clearing reeds and unwanted plant growth in the ponds, meaning more space for aquatic wildlife to live. Reducing the reeds keeps a balance, so they don't take over. Thanks to all the volunteers that took the photos over the two days. 

Bulb Planting ready for Spring

Great morning work with local residents, ward councillors, Neighbourhood Team & Derby Homes planting 6,500 bulbs. The bulbs included crocus, tete a tete, tulips and fritillarias, on the canal path just off Harvey Road.

Looking forward to seeing the splash of colour in the spring

Thank you to Derby Homes for funding.

Tue 3 Oct 2023

The Derby Parks Volunteers have once again exceeded expectations in every way.

New steps in Allestree Park

We are happy to announce that the steps in Allestree Park have been well received by everyone and are looking fantastic! We take this opportunity to give special gratitude and applause to all the volunteers involved.

Many people will know this well walked path and slope in Allestree Big Wood. It can be tricky to walk down and up. So the instillation of some simple steps has been carried out by the Volunteers over the past few weeks. Also the edging of the path through big wood has been defined by pegged logs to keep walkers on the right path.

Balsam Bashing at Alvaston Park

Down at Alvaston Park, along the River Derwent. The volunteers took control of this non native species, it is one of their main tasks during the summer. There was some large areas of it along the river banks, great to have a clear run pulling and snapping it. We won't completely get rid  of it but we can manage its spread and distribution.

The main goal was to clear away wild grasses and brambles that were competing with the fruit trees. By doing this, we're giving the trees the room they need to thrive and produce delicious fruit.

A new path in Markeaton Park

Back to the path work for the Volunteers, this time a path in Markeaton Park. A slight clean up of the path, a few measurements here and there then it was down to shifting that stone. Laying it, then wacker plating it down. 

Building a Bug Hotel at Millennium Wood

Over the last couple of weeks, the volunteers have been hard at work at the Millennium Wood Community Orchard, focusing on some essential tasks to ensure the health and access of the orchard.

Additionally, we took on the exciting project of building a Bug Hotel – a place where insects and other animals can find shelter. This not only adds a unique touch to the orchard but also helps to create a more diverse and balanced ecosystem and encourage beneficial pollinators.