May, 2012
All work is now complete. This includes:
A surfaced path from the car park to the lake.
Lake bank revetments: There are seven of these, which will greatly help to combat erosion of the shore-line.
Nature Trails: The posts for the new Big Wood nature trail have been installed and the free leaflet for this and a completely new one for the existing trail around the Lake have now been printed (see home page for details of availability) Both trails are avaiable for downloading from this website (see home page).
Clearance of sycamore and rhododendron in the central part of Big Wood: This has been done by the Derby branch of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers .The larger sycamore trees were felled by the City Council Parks Department. Sycamore has been left on the eastern margin to maintain the integrity of the woodland edge and some clumps of rhododendron are not to be cleared in order to provide cover for wildlife until new planting of native shrubs (planned for autumn 2012) is established. The woodland will look a bit sparse for some time - but eventually it will much more attractive and diverse.
A sculpture in the shape of an owl along the new path between the main car park and the Lake.
A new Pedestrian entrance to the Park, via some steps, from Burley Lane, Quarndon.
An Event to Launch the Project was held on Saturday 16th June:
The weather was cool and showery, in common with much of the weather of this summer, but there was a good attendance - with representatives of various organisations, members of FOAP and park visitors, plus those who have done so much to assist the project. After a welcoming speech by FOAP Chairman John Menzies, the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Lisa Higginbottom, cut the tape across the new path. Then, after a walk round the lake to view the improvements - the party repaired to Allestree Hall, where people had the opportunity to view an automatic slideshow on Allestree Park and the work of FOAP and enjoyed an excellent buffet provided by Allestree Golf Club.
Key to Photos: 1. Pat Sear, FOAP committee Publicity Officer and information stall. 2. FOAP Chairman, John Menzies, The Mayor of Derby, Cllr. Higginbottom and Cllr. Roy Webb. 3. Some members of FOAP Committee - Edwin Slade, Mark Sims, Pat Sear, Peter Grundy and Tony Johnson (Bill Grange was berhind the camera!). 4. The Mayor of Derby, just before cutting the tape, with Edwin Slade and Mark Sims. 5. Owl sculpture and chain-saw sculptor Mark Butler.
