Iconic Tree Spared the Axe - but claimed by Nature

The venerable horse chestnut tree which graced the approach to Allestree Hall as you came along the drive from the main car park had been  badly infected with fungus for some time. It was scheduled to be felled in 2010 but, instead, the Parks Dept. attempted some surgery to try to save it. Alas, the fungus and a wind-storm in August 2012 had the last word and the tree crashed to the ground. As these pictures show it is a great loss. However, life goes on. A young horse chestnut was planted nearby in 2011 and we hope that in time this will grow into a similar magnificent specimen. 
  horse chestnut

The Horse Chestnut in 1992

 

horse chestnut dead

The Horse Chestnut in September 2012

Bill Grange

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Horse Chestnut in 2003 - by Bill Grange
 
 
 

Flora and fauna

Summer

Summer

 Big Wood, Allestree Park in Summer and Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly

Photos by Bill Grange

Butterflies

Wild flowers

Click on 'Articles and Special Feattures' tab at top of page for many more wildlife articles

Events list July 2026

Sat July 25
Balsam bashing
DCC Volunteers - meet in the main car park at 10am
 
Tue July 28
Superhero picnic
11am - 3pm at Allestree Park
 
Sat Aug 1 
Mini-beast hunt  
2pm, meet at Woodlands car park. 
 
Sun Aug 2
Summer celebration  
10am ’til 7pm
 
Tue Aug 4
Derby Parks and DWT will be at the Mackworth/MECA Hall (St Francis Church) Kids Eco Event on the 4th August sharing information about how young people can get involved at Allestree
 
Thu Aug 13
Footpath works
DCC Volunteers - meet in the main car park at 10am
 
Thu Aug 27
Maintenance tasks
DCC Volunteers - meet in the main car park at 10am
 
Sat Sept 12
Bat walk       
 
Sat Oct 17                           
Fungi walk
 
                             

Minibeast Hunt 2026 08 01

Summer celebration Felicity

Join the Friends of Allestree Park

Nature trails

Nature Trail Leaflets: Click here to see PDF versions, which can be printed out. Leaflets are also avaliable from holders at the noticeboards at the main car park and at Woodlands Lane.

Photos and videos of Allestree Park