THE ARBORETUM

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Park History
Events
Educational & Activities
Site Management
Downloadable Map


The Arboretum is Nottingham's oldest public park and the one that is closest to the city centre. This historic, beautifully maintained park covers an area of approximately 7.6 hectares, measuring 360m by 310m at its widest extent, and contains a host of original features that make this site unique within the city including the fine collection of trees that lend the site its name. Opened on the 11th May 1852 by the Mayor, Mr W Felkin and the Sheriff of the Borough, Mr Ball, in front of 30,000 people, the Arboretum continues to attract a year round audience. Easily accessible from the city centre and the wider community via the tram network that runs alongside, this park plays a vital role for the local community and is the site for many organised events through the summer.

You can undertake a ‘Tree Trail’ walk around the park and find out about the different species of trees planted throughout the site. The map can be downloaded by clicking here, or ask at the gatehouse for a copy.

Opening Time of Park All year 7.00am Closing Times of Park 1st January - 4th February 4.30pm 5th February - 18th February 5.00pm 19th February - 4th March 5.30pm 5th March - 18th March 6.00pm 19th March - 24th March 6.30pm 25th March (BST begins) - 8th April 7.30pm 9th April - 22nd April 8.00pm 23rd April - 6th May 8.30pm 7th May - 5th August 9.15pm 6th August - 19th August 8.30pm 20th August - 2nd September 8.00pm 3rd September - 16th September 7.30pm 17th September - 30th September 7.00pm 1st October - 14th October 6.30pm 15th October - 27th October 6.00pm 28th October (BST ends) - 11th November 5.00pm 12th November - 31st December 4.30pm

Site Facilities Disability Access Dogs Welcome Educational Pack Events Programme Heritage Ice-cream concession On Site Parking On Street Parking Public Transport Ranger Toilets on event days Tree Trail Wildlife Areas

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Park History

Following the Nottingham Inclosure Act of 1845 - a visionary project to create a green network around the growing city, to provide green spaces for relaxation, contemplation, learning, exercise and clean air - the Arboretum was the first public park opened in Nottingham.

The layout and design was carried out under the supervision of Samuel Curtis, a botanist and horticultural publicist in 1850 who had previously been involved with the layout of Victoria Park in the East End of London in 1842.

The main aim of the design for Arboretum Park was to take advantage of the landscape setting whilst providing an interlinking network of walkways and socialising areas. As a result over 1010 specimen trees and shrubs were planted along with winding paths and sweeping lawns. The plantings were laid out in what is known as 'The Natural Order' to provide an educational link to nature through botanical interpretation. Today, some of the mature trees and shrubs growing here are living relics of the original collection such as the Lime Trees which were planted as nursery trees. There are currently over 800 trees of 60 species.

The layout of the park is relatively unchanged and as a result 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, providing a key asset to Nottingham's Victorian Heritage.

Key features within the park include the Waverly Street Lodge and entrance, the lake, the Chinese Bell Tower, the Victorian Circular Aviary, 4 Russian Cannon, the newly renovated Victorian Flower Garden, Dahlia & Winter garden, the North Sherwood Street entrance, the statue of Feargus O'Connor, the bust of Samuel Morley and the Bandstand, an important local feature, which was moved from the castle site in 1881.

The Arboretum continues to boast one of the premier tree collections within the County and is one of the few large green spaces within the city centre. There has been over £1 million investment since 2002, following a successful Heritage lottery bid and it is now in a position to consolidate its Green Flag Status, first gained in 2006.

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Events

The Arboretum is supported by the Friends of the Arboretum and is the venue for a varied programme of entertainment throughout the summer, including musical events of all kinds, the Green Festival and the annual Nottingham Gay Pride event. It attracts interest from local residents, visitors and students from spring to autumn. The Arboretum and its facilities can be booked for private events.



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Educational & Activities

With its great historical significance, the Arboretum is of great interest to historians. As part of the Street Furniture Project with its unique benches and bins, interpretation panels provide an excellent opportunity to learn about Victorian Nottingham. The most significant feature is the tree collection which has a number of recent additions and is fascinating to young and old alike. A tree trail leaflet is available to download, please click here. An education pack for Key Stage I and II pupils is available (please contact us for details)

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Site Management

The Arboretum has a detailed Management Plan that is implemented by the Park Manager and maintenance team. Future plans include restoration works to the lake, entrances and remaining structures along with the continued restoration of horticultural features.

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Map

Click here to download a map of the park

The Arboretum
Waverley Street
Nottingham
NG7 4HF

Public access to the Arboretum is via a network of pedestrian walkways. The park has four entrance points (Waverley Road, Arboretum Street, North Sherwood Street and Addison Street.) Vehicle access for maintenance vehicles is from the Arboretum Street and Waverley entrances.

All the entrances are gated when the park is closed from dusk to dawn. Parking is available along Arboretum Street for two hours but vehicular access for cars and motorcycles is not permitted within the park. Parking can be arranged for disabled drivers, by arrangement with the Arboretum Management.

The NET Trams runs along Waverley Street and stops close to the entrance.
Click here to go to the Nottingham City Transport website.

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