Friends of Arnot Hill Park

The Friends of Arnot Hill Park is a group of like minded people who voluntarily help to look after the park. You too can join and help shape its future. If you would like to join, read a bit more about what is involved and contact us on 0115 901 3603 or email parks@gedling.gov.uk for more information.

There are two strands to the Friends of Arnot Hill Park. There is a wider group of members who come together at certain times of the year to discuss issues and be involved in initiatives to develop the park. They also contribute articles to the groups newsletter. The second strand is a core group of members who manage the regular affairs and who meet on a regular basis and report back to the wider membership.

• About Arnot Hill Park
• What does it involve?
• Who can join?
• How can I join the group?

About Arnot Hill Park

Arnot Hill Park dates back to 1792 where it originated as a villa landscape to compliment the house built by John Hawksley, a Nottingham manufacturer and mill owner. Many changes have taken place since that time to both the house and the grounds.

In its time, the park has had a colourful range of uses and activities dating back to 1919 following the end of the First World War, when it was formally opened to the public as an open space for the people of Arnold. Over the years activities have included maypole dancing, tennis, bowls, fishing and a bandstand that lasted from the Coronation of 1937 to 1970. We currently host one major annual event in the park- the Arnold Carnival. You can read more about this in our Arts and Events pages.

More recently, in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund, we have restored much of the park back to its former glory. Over the past 5 years we've undertaken lots of projects to rejuvenate and restore the park. This has included improvements to the lake, providing a new refreshment kiosk, the development of a skate park and a new play area, restoring the rose and sensory gardens, various planting schemes, reinstating the walls around the park, refurbishing the gatekeepers lodge and making improvements to the lighting as well as improving security through CCTV cameras.

What does it involve?

You will work with Members and Officers of Gedling Borough Council and be involved in a wide range of activities and initiatives, which can include: -

• Helping to monitor and safeguard the wildlife.
• Looking at ways of educating the various users of the park e.g. on the correct feeding of the wildlife.
• Identifying a range of improvements.
• Discussing and improving signage.
• Considering educational use by schools and other groups and organising tours.
• Discussing and helping with the organisation of events held in the park.
• Organising Friends of Arnot Hill Park events.
• Helping with planting.
• Helping to identify the key issues and future needs.

Who can join?

Anyone is welcome to join. We are particularly keen to see a wide representation from a range of interest groups (in no particular order):

• Local residents.
• The parks outdoor bowls club.
• Teenagers who use the skate park.
• Parents of children and young people who use the play area.
• People with disabilities.
• Retired people.
• Those people with an interest in the parks wildlife.
• Members of the wildlife trust.
• People with an interest in the heritage aspects of the park.
• People interested in helping with events.
• Local schools.
• Local Businesses.

How can I join the group?

You can join either the wider group or the management committee. Below are links to complete an online registration form for either membership:

• Complete the online enrolment form for membership of the wider group.
• Complete the online enrolment form to join the management committee.
• Complete the online user survey (voluntary)

Alternatively email your name, address, telephone number and membership preference to parks@gedling.gov.uk or call 0115 901 3603. More information can be found in out information leaflet below:

• Friends of Arnot Hill Park information leaflet PDF (131KB)