Spearheaded by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Derby City Council, the rewilding initiative at Allestree Park aims to restore wildlife and habitats to a natural state across the 320-acre park.  

The evaluation of the project, led by the University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group, brings together community voices through open survey responses, community conversations and interviews held between November 2024 and June 2025.  

The report provides valuable insight into how the rewilding project is being experienced and understood by the local community during its first year.  

Findings show that the project is widely seen as an asset for the city of Derby, with visitors to the park noticing a greater presence of badgers, foxes and deer in the area as well as significant value for human health and wellbeing.  

People also shared a growing awareness of the role that rewilding plays in helping this space become richer in biodiversity and more resilient to the changing climate.  

Dr Fiona Holland, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Derby and project lead, said: 

“The change in public perceptions and attitudes over the first two years of the project was noticeable.  

“In this report, an overwhelming majority of respondents saw the rewilding of Allestree Park as an asset for Derby as a city. They described it as a resource that supported both the health and wellbeing of residents who accessed the park and a place for local nature to thrive in a more biodiverse way.  

“It was also encouraging that people had already noticed changes such as an increased diversity of species, and more people visiting the park.” 

The evaluation also revealed how awareness of the project is growing as more people are engaging with Allestree Park with potential for even more connection, education and participation in the future.  

Alongside the sentiments of support, the report captures a range of suggestions and reflections. These include ideas for how the project can continue to reach new audiences, communicate its aims clearly, balance areas of rewilding with accessible green spaces, and encourage even deeper engagement from local people.  

Caroline Harvey, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Derby and principal investigator on the project, said: 

“It is wonderful to see the impact that this project is starting to have for both the local community and for wildlife.   

“Spending time in nature is beneficial for health and wellbeing, and the increase in biodiversity that people are noticing will have a positive impact for those visiting the park. The benefits of community rewilding on this scale have not been seen before in the UK, and it is great to see Derby taking the lead in this way.”  

Andy Honman, Wilder Connections Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, added:  

“The report marks an important moment in the rewilding journey at Allestree Park, offering vital insight into how people see the project is progressing and how it might evolve in the years to come.  

“We’re really encouraged by the findings and grateful to the University of Derby for their ongoing work. It’s clear that the community is not only supportive of the rewilding at Allestree Park, but excited to be part of it. These reflections will help us shape how the project continues to grow in a way that works for both people and nature.”  

The Allestree Park rewilding project received further funding from The National Lottery Community Fund in 2024, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players. 

Cllr Carmel Swan, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said: 

“We welcome the findings of this report. As well as having a positive impact on nature, our pioneering rewilding project is having clear benefits for people.  

“Good quality greenspaces help to reduce stress, lower anxiety and encourage physical activity.  

“We are looking forward to the project team continuing to bring new audiences from different parts of our city through public events, volunteering opportunities and rewilding activities throughout 2026 to experience and connect with nature at Allestree Park.” 

Find out more about the rewilding project at Allestree Park