Who We Are

About Us

The Friends of Derby Arboretum — a passionate community of volunteers dedicated to this remarkable green space.

Our Purpose

Why the Friends Exists

The Friends of Derby Arboretum was established to bring together people who care deeply about this nationally significant park — working to protect its heritage, improve its facilities, and organise activities that help the whole community enjoy and appreciate it.

We work in partnership with Derby City Council and other local organisations to ensure the Arboretum continues to flourish as a green, welcoming, and historically rich space for everyone.

Loudon Lodge
National & Internation Recognition

What we have achieved

In July 2025 we were awarded a further prestigious Green Flag Award and for the fifth time achieved Green Heritage Site Accreditation.

In November 2023 received the King's Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Loudon Lodge
Our Activities

What We Do

Community Garden

Community Garden

We're transforming the former bowling green into a vibrant community garden, blending herbs and herbaceous plants that attract wildlife with a new community orchard of fruiting trees.

Community Garden

Community Events

From seasonal celebrations to family fun days, we bring the community together to enjoy and appreciate this wonderful green space.

Community Garden

Heritage & Education

We run talks, walks, and educational activivities to share the fascinating history of this unique Victorian Park with the wider community.

Who we work with

Our friends & collaborators

Community Garden

Spiral Arts

Spiral Arts is a group of professional visual artist educators with over 20 years experience of facilitating participatory workshops. Spiral's studio base is in the Arboretum's beautiful Grove Lodge.

Find out more about Spiral Arts current projects
Community Garden

Heart of The Park Cafe

Further details will be be forthcoming.

Community Garden

The Parkies

We work closely with the Councils Parks Team, who do an amazing job managing & looking after parks & green spaces across the city.

Become a Friend

Whether you want to volunteer, attend events, or simply support the Arboretum, we'd love to have you involved. Membership is open to everyone.

Get in Touch