News - 09 December 2021

Major rewilding plan for Derby park

Derby City Council has been praised for backing what would be the first large-scale urban rewilding project in the UK.

Last month, the city council approved proposals brought forward by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to rewild Allestree Park.

It will now work with the trust and the University of Derby on the project, with a public consultation set to take place to develop the plans, which would see nature reclaim the former golf course.

Councillor Jerry Pearce, the city council’s cabinet member for Streetpride and Public Spaces, said: “This is a key moment for Derby to be playing its part in tackling the effects of climate change. The next stage will be to consult with our communities so everyone can have their say in how we take these plans forward.

Dr Jo Smith, chief executive of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said:We are delighted that Derby City Council is leading the way in implementing solutions to the climate and nature crisis at such a significant time for our planet.

Rewilding Allestree Park could bring the city wide-ranging benefits.

Nature’s recovery in Derby would be supported by providing more space for wildlife-rich habitats and potential species reintroductions. It would also help the city council meet its carbon reduction targets by increasing Derby’s carbon storage capacity.

Rewilding would also provide more opportunities for residents to improve their wellbeing by connecting with nature-rich greenspace.

Subject to the proposed consultation, steps to rewild Allestree Park could include the creation of new habitats such as woodlands, grasslands, wetland and scrubland, the creation of community orchards and community growing and looking at reintroducing key species, such as water vole and harvest mouse.

Dr Smith added:This initiative will create one of the largest urban rewilding sites in the UK and enable nature to do what it does best – lock up carbon, slow the flow of water, improve air quality and provide an amazing wild place where both people and wildlife can thrive.

“This is a huge moment for Derby and one we’re very proud to be a part of.

Professor Alastair Driver, director at Rewilding Britain, said: We are very excited that Derby City Council has taken the plunge to be the first local authority in England to embark on a major urban rewilding project in the ideal location  at Allestree Park.

“They are bold pioneers who we confidently predict will inspire many others to follow suit at a critical time for our natural world.”

Latest News & Events

19 July 2024

Local business support boosted with launch of Early Stage Angel Investment Fund

Read Article

21 June 2024

Spotlight on our Board: Scott Knowles, Chief Executive, East Midlands Chamber, on the D2N2 LEP transition and East Midlands devolution

Read Article

11 June 2024

The D2N2 LEP staff team joins the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA)

Read Article

07 June 2024

Becky Rix, Marketing Director at Roadgas, explains why Roadgas is a proud member of the East Midlands Hydrogen Consortium

Read Article

05 June 2024

Spotlight on our Board: D2N2 LEP Board Member Natasha Johnson, Director of Partnerships at Global Entrepreneurs UK

Read Article

05 June 2024

Free Expert Business Advice and Support available through East Midlands Chamber’s Accelerator Programme

Read Article

03 June 2024

Spotlight on our Board: D2N2 LEP Board Member Professor Edward Peck CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President, Nottingham Trent University

Read Article

24 May 2024

Focus on the East Midlands: our time is NOW!

Read Article

24 May 2024

D2N2 LEP CEO, Will Morlidge, shares our East Midlands Hydrogen ambitions at UKREiiF

Read Article

24 May 2024

East Midlands Freeport and Freeport East Sign Green Freight Corridor Initiative at UKREiiF

Read Article

Get in touch.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up
Address

D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership
8 Experian Way
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG2 1EP

Social

Our Partners