Looking after our parks and open spaces

We work to keep our parks and open spaces looking their best by

• cutting the grass
• maintaining shrub beds and ornamental borders
• cutting hedges
• emptying litter bins and litter picking
• maintaining sports pitches and multi use games areas
• inspecting and maintaining play areas
• sweeping hard surfaces, keeping them free of rubbish and weeds
• maintaining park benches and cleaning toilet facilities

We also cut the grass on roadside verges on behalf of Derbyshire County Council.

Grass

• We cut grass on all council owned land, including housing.
• We don't cut grass when daffodils and crocuses are flowering - the grass will be cut when the flowers have finished.
• We try our best to keep to schedule but sometimes bad weather can make us late. Please bear with us if this happens - mowing on wet slopes can be dangerous.
• We will do our best to catch up as soon as we can.
• We only collect the cuttings from fine lawn areas, other areas are left to mulch.

Hedges

• We do not cut hedges during the bird nesting season (1 February to 31 August).
• Ornamental hedges are cut twice a year in June/July (depending on nesting birds) and in October/November. The cuttings are collected and composted.

Shrub beds

• We look after shrub beds on all our land.
• Pruning shrubs helps strong, healthy growth and improves flowering.
• Shrub pruning is carried out when it best suits the plant. 
• During pruning all dead, diseased, damaged or crossing branches are removed.
• We use peat free compost in all our parks and open spaces.

Trees

• We monitor trees and carry out work when it's needed.

Rivers and Watercourses

• We keep rivers and watercourses free of litter and obstructions.

Dogs in the Park

If you see a dog fouling in a park please report it online.

We welcome dogs in our parks, however please make sure that they are kept under control at all times and that you clean up after them. Although we only have the authority to ask that your dog is put on the lead in designated areas if believed not to be under control, please consider other people whilst out with your pet. It is an offence to refuse to put your dog on a lead when asked to do so by a designated officer.

If your dog is causing distress to other animals or people, is out of control or being aggressive please put your dog on a lead.

Enhancing Biodiversity in our parks

In line with the council's Parks Strategy, and as part of  our commitment to improving biodiversity across parks and open spaces, we are formalising the changes we have made to our mowing regime over the past couple of years and extending the changes to additional areas within some of these sites.

Enjoying Wildlife Without Feeding Birds

Our parks are important shared spaces for people and wildlife alike. While feeding birds can be tempting, it can unintentionally harm both animals and visitors. Following RSPB guidance, we're asking everyone to please not feed the birds, as diseases can spread quickly when birds gather in large numbers. Instead, we encourage enjoying wildlife in ways that are healthier and more sustainable.

Feeding birds, especially geese, can lead to several problems:

• Public health risks - Leftover food and increased droppings can create unhygienic conditions. Food waste also attracts rats and other pests, which can spread harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
• Spread of disease amongst the bird population - When birds gather closely to feed, highly contagious diseases like bird flu can spread more easily, putting wildlife populations at risk.
• Unhealthy wildlife behaviour - Regular feeding disrupts birds' natural behaviours and diets. Birds can become overly dependent on people, less wary, and more aggressive.
• Damage to parks and habitats - Concentrated feeding causes overpopulation in certain areas, leading to overgrazed grass, damaged paths and hard surfaces, and poorer conditions for other wildlife.

You don't need to feed wildlife to enjoy it. There are lots of positive alternatives that help protect nature while still offering meaningful experiences:

• Bird spotting and wildlife watching
• Nature trails and tree trails
• Scavenger hunts and discovery activities
• Taking mindful moments outdoors for wellbeing

These activities support healthy ecosystems and help wildlife behave naturally.