As part of the community rewilding project at Allestree Park, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Derby City Council are facilitating a timeline of activities to help shape the park into a richer place for people and nature and help tackle the effects of climate change.   

One of those activities was inviting local groups to adopt one of 18 fruit trees to be planted on former golf course tees to provide a new food source for pollinators, birds and mammals and get the park buzzing with more wildlife.  

Schools, children’s playgroups, places of worship, charities, community groups, sport clubs and local businesses have come forward to put their names on a tree and be part of the heritage of the park for years to come.  

During National Tree Planting week, the UK’s largest annual tree celebration to mark the start of the winter tree planting season, the groups visited the park and got involved in planting their own tree. 

Andy Honman, Wilder Connections Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has been working with local groups to complete the planting project. He said: 

“From the community conversations throughout the life of this project, we know that people are excited to be involved in projects as part of the community rewilding of the park, and it was wonderful to see so many local community groups from all around the area come forward to adopt a tree, create a food source for wildlife and connect with nature on their doorstep.  

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed and helped make Allestree Park even better for people and nature. We are excited to watch these trees grow in the coming years and watch the wildlife they bring to the site.” 

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said: 

“Trees are essential to our planet and our wellbeing, and this is the perfect way to remember the park’s golf course heritage while taking steps to create a brighter future for wildlife and communities. I’m thrilled that so many community groups, involving people of all ages, have chosen to adopt a fruit tree.” 

Mrs Walters, Forest School Leader at Portway Infant School added:

“Portway Infant School is proud to be taking part in the Allestree Park community rewilding project. We regularly visit Allestree Park and provide weekly Forest School sessions to all of our pupils. As a school we believe connecting with nature is instrumental to children's health and wellbeing.” 

Find more information about the Community Rewilding of Allestree Park and upcoming activities and events