People and nature

How can nature coexist with people in the park?

Pretty much like it does now, in the existing nature reserve which is in fact the majority of the park, outside the former golf course.

Sections of the current nature reserve area are managed in different ways. ‘Oaktree field’, beside the main car park, has the grass cut short, perfect for walking, playing, picnicking. Big Wood, at the top of the park, together with other wooded areas, is mixed woodland, with paths through (these help protect the wonderful bluebells in spring). We also have meadows, cut late in the summer, which support lots of wild flowers. Some areas are grazed too, many of us have become familiar with the lovely Highland cattle who visit us in winter months. Areas up in the north of the park are more seriously wild, rich in biodiversity, but managed nonetheless. And of course we have the lake.

The Friends of Allestree Park have over the years done a lot of maintenance work and organised very many events for the public and for schools. We have held mini beast hunts, fungal forays, Himalayan balsam pulling, tree planting, litter picking, pond dipping, surveying, and more. Lots of children, adults, families have learned about nature and we have all benefited from being in the natural environment.

Incorporating the golf course into the present nature reserve would extend and, importantly, connect the range of wildlife habitats. Landscape features on the former course could be enhanced in ways that would encourage wildlife. The whole area would still be managed, but with a much lighter touch. Some of the grassland could be allowed to grow longer, blossoming into flower-rich meadows; much better for insects, mammals, birds (and for carbon capture). We couldn’t produce another lake but there could be wetland and a new pond - as well as hedgerow and understorey planting among the stands of trees.

All this would also give more scope for activities like guided wildlife rambles, school visits, mindfulness walks. Access would be needed, with paths through meadows and woodland and, with increasing visitor numbers enjoying the area, some improved paths in the existing nature reserve too. Even better if we could have an interpretation area – and better still, toilets and a cafe!

But despite these changes, the wonderful vistas along the green former fairways, and the character and tranquillity of the place, mustn’t be lost.