The Arboretum was the first public park in Nottingham. The layout and design was carried out under the supervision of Samuel Curtis in 1850. The grand opening took place on the 11th May 1852 with approximately 15,000 people in attendance. Originally the park was designed as a botanical collection and a place for relaxation and tranquillity, forming a star attraction in the hub of Victorian Nottingham.
Today the layout of the park is relatively unchanged, providing a key asset to Nottingham’s Victorian heritage. The Arboretum is Grade II listed on the Register of Historic Parks & Gardens maintained by English Heritage and contains a number of Grade II Listed structures within its layout.
Over the last century a number of features have been added to enhance the park and provide more activities and interest for park users. In 2002 a series of restoration works were completed through funding by the Heritage Lottery Commission (HLF), The Civic Society, and New Deal for Communities.
The key restoration works funded by the HLF include the Bell Tower (c1862), Bandstand (c1881), and Circular Aviary (c1892) along with various additional key projects around the park. The restored features can once again provide a quality resource to the people of Nottingham.
Included in the works funded by the Civic Society were a series of bronze
benches, display panels and bins. The funding has provided quality Bronze
and timber benches that have benefited the park in their use and appeal.
The display signs have been located at key locations around the Arboretum
to provide information on the specific features, history and restored structures.
New Deal for Communities also provided funding as joint partners in these
projects and recently funded the new ‘Dell Garden’. This garden
is now complete and hosts a range of ferns, Rhododendrons and a series of
water loving plants that have combined to create a wildlife haven.
The Arboretum has a detailed Management Plan that is being implemented
by the Arboretum Manager and a focused parks team. Future plans include
restoration works to the lake, Waverley Lodge and main entrances, along
with a community building and improvements to the botanical collection.
Initial meetings have taken place to form a ‘Friends of the Arboretum’
group. There has been a good response and works are underway to progress
with a series of projects in the park. These include gardening workshops,
history walks and talks, production of a booklet and development of a new
‘Healing Garden’.
Ongoing restoration and rejuvenation of the Arboretum is helping to bring the park back to life. The Arboretum is indebted to the help and funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Civic Society, and New Deal for Communities. Ongoing partnership is imperative to maintain and progress the development of this special park.
Lance Goffort-Hall
Arboretum Park Manager
August 2004
Home
| Contact | Items for
sale | Joining | Architecture
Meetings | About
| News | Links
©2008 Nottingham Civic Society
