The larger project INVISIBLE BOUNDARIES has a Heritage strand focusing on creating awareness of heritage of Arboretum across communities that call Derby their home and explores the efforts made by Derby to offer them the embrace of equal opportunity and democratic living. It provides an opportunity for heritage sharing and community learning.
The Arboretum is listed on the English Heritage Register of Parks of Special Historic Interest in England and the first publicly owned park in England. It was donated to Derby in 1840 by Joseph Strutt, former mayor of Derby and prominent industrialist. His intention was giving workers from the industrial population a free natural outside space for relaxation, which till then was only available to the rich. This was removing of an invisible socio-economic boundary at a time in mid-19th century that saw England wake up to a turbulent period in history, making it a strongest colonial power, marking several visible and invisible boundaries globally.
On September 19, Invisible Boundaries included celebrations of the 175 years of Arboretum Park. This project explores, records and concentrates on activities that focus on the wonderful heritage of the Arboretum – botanical, historical, and architectural, highlighting the heritage of cultural change around the Arboretum.
Many are unfamiliar with Park’s history and its significance today, due to lack of local historical knowledge. The project will share learning, around heritage of park; create awareness amongst local communities and the next generation of young people, and immigrant communities residing in Derby, where comparisons and reflections can be made between the past and present. The project will appeal to varied groups visiting the Park: school-children, youth, senior citizens, BME communities, Derby residents and tourists and involve local historians, botanists/wildlife specialists as resource consultants making the programmes educative, informative and enjoyable.