Allestree Park, spanning 320 acres, is Derby’s largest public park. In 2021, the Trust and Council embarked on an ambitious long-term vision to create a nature-rich, climate-resilient landscape shaped by its users.
The initial phases focused on engaging with communities, understanding their experiences, and ensuring that the rewilding plans support public access, recreation, and local identity.
New Report Shows Benefits for People and Wildlife
The University of Derby’s recent evaluation, based on surveys, conversations, and interviews from 2024–25, highlights significant early achievements:
- Increased biodiversity, with visitors reporting more sightings of wildlife such as badgers, foxes, deer, and a variety of birds.
- Improved health and wellbeing, as more people use the park for walking, recreation, and outdoor activities.
- Enhanced public understanding of how rewilding contributes to climate resilience and a healthier local environment.
The report also identifies opportunities to strengthen communication and broaden engagement, which will be integrated into the next phase of the initiative.
Award-Winning Approach to Inclusion
Allestree Park recently received a national award for inclusive nature recovery, celebrating the project’s commitment to ensuring people from all backgrounds can actively shape the park’s future.
Through culturally relevant events, co-designed activities, accessible volunteering, and partnerships with community groups across Derby, the project demonstrates how rewilding can drive both social and ecological renewal.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Urban Nature Recovery
The partners are now preparing for the next phase at Allestree Park, focusing on:
- Expanding habitat restoration and creating nature-rich corridors
- Increasing opportunities for community leadership and citizen science
- Strengthening long-term ecological monitoring with the University of Derby
- Embedding inclusive practices in all programming
Jo Smith, CEO of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said:
“Allestree Park is showcasing what’s possible when a city prioritises nature recovery rooted in community. This project is transforming not just the landscape, but how people feel about where they live. We’re proud of the early results and even prouder of how Derby’s communities are shaping the park’s future.”
