Six Derby Parks recognised as among the UK’s very best green spaces
Six parks in Derby; Chaddesden, Darley, Sunnydale, Alvaston, Markeaton and Derby Arboretum, have all been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as among the very best in the world.
This international award, now in its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Chaddesden Park is an important focal point in the local community, offering an extensive range of sports, children’s play areas and attractive parkland. It also hosts community events throughout the year including popular event The Big One.
Darley Park is a large, picturesque and popular park within walking distance of the city centre. The park boasts beautiful gardens including the largest hydrangea collection in Britain, a nature reserve that provides a home to a wide range of species, and one of the UK’s biggest outdoor classical concerts The Hannells Darley Park Concert.
Sunnydale Park is a local nature reserve located in the Blagreaves ward of Derby. Covering 13.2 hectares and consisting of a variety of habitats the park features a large balancing pond that provides a home for a whole host of animals.
Alvaston Park is a picturesque riverside park in the south of Derby that offers a wealth of activities from fishing, exploring the unique science garden, riding BMX, playing football to enjoying a walk around the historic lake.
Markeaton Park is Derby’s most visited park and one of the most popular attractions in the East Midlands. Markeaton Park offers a wide range of activities from the Mundy Play Centre, the Craft Village and The Orangery café to sports activities, walks and gardens and events throughout the year.
Derby Arboretum is known for being the first public park in England, opening its doors to the public in 1840. In the modern day Derby Arboretum boasts beautiful heritage landscape, a superb collection of trees, the Heart of the Park community building, various sports facilities and events throughout the year.
Councillor Robin Wood, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Awards for these six parks once again. We know how valued our green spaces are by residents and visitors alike, and this award celebrates the dedication by our team, community groups and volunteers that goes into maintaining these parks to such a high standard.”
Derby also celebrates the achievement of Green Flag Community Awards for Little Chester Allotments, the Walled Garden at Markeaton Park, Chellaston Brickworks Local Nature Reserve, Chaddesden Wood Local Nature Reserve, Ashbourne Road Allotments, Darley Park Hydrangea Garden, Sinfin Moor Park and Local Nature Reserve and Darley and Nutwood Local Nature Reserve. Derby has over 300 parks and open spaces, jam-packed with things to do as a family, opportunities to get healthy and plenty of fun events.
Derby Parks will be raising their Green Flags at the free Love Parks Superhero Picnic in the Park events at Markeaton Park on Tuesday 30 July, Chaddesden Park on Wednesday 31 July and Darley Park on Thursday 1 August. To celebrate these award winning parks Derby Parks will be running free events between 11am and 3pm on all three days, with many local businesses and charities in attendance, and prizes for the best dressed superhero! Find out more at inderby.org.uk/superhero