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.