The project, a partnership between Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Derby City Council and University of Derby, is the UK’s largest urban rewilding scheme. Throughout the life of the project, the partners have been having conversations with a wealth of local people and organisations, with plans for a natural outdoor engagement space to support activities for children and families a key element part of the original vision. 

Following an event hosted alongside the Friends of Allestree Park, several potential sites were explored and assessed against key criteria such as proximity to toilet facilities, accessibility, and sensitivity to the Grade II listed building on site. Based on this, a location between Burley Brook and Allestree Hall was selected for the permanent shelter.

The proposed wooden structure measures approximately 6 x 8 metres and features a green living roof and natural amphitheatre-style seating. The design has been shared with local school eco groups and pupils, whose feedback has helped shape the final plans. Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to begin later this year.

Owned and managed by Derby City Council, with support from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, the shelter will form part of a wider outdoor engagement hub, alongside a new pond dipping area that is being designed and created by Derby City Council’s Derby Parks team this year.

Together, they will support school visits, community groups, and youth programmes including Nature Tots and Junior Rangers, enabling young people to connect with wildlife and get hands-on experience exploring pond life and the surrounding rewilded landscape.

The project has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players. In 2024, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, on behalf of the partnership, received more than £1 million over three years from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver community and nature benefits in Allestree Park and across Derby.

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

“Submitting this planning application marks an exciting step forward in the Community Rewilding project at Allestree. The outdoor learning shelter has always been part of the community’s long-term vision for Allestree Park. A welcoming space where children and families can connect with nature as the landscape continues to rewild.

“Huge thanks to the local people and young learners who helped shape the design. It’s been wonderful to hear their ideas, from loving the green roof and natural seating, to some brilliantly playful ideas like a space to practise skills to be like Cristiano Ronaldo and a spot where you can ‘spy’ on birds. Now we see them reflected into a space they could be enjoying by the end of the year.”

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

“It’s exciting to see the plans progressing for the outdoor learning area. Children really benefit from the connection with nature when they visit Allestree Park and see the rewilding project for themselves, and we hope they’ll be inspired to become adults who value the environment and wildlife.”

Find out more about the Allestree Park Community Rewilding Project