Since the 1980s there has been a national record of the historic parks and gardens which make such a rich and varied contribution to our landscape heritage. This record is known as the
Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. There are great variety of registered sites including cemeteries.
Historic Parks and Gardens can contribute to the setting of historic buildings. They can be valued as "works of art", perhaps by a well-known designer. They can be valued for their horticultural interest, and for historic associations, for example with notable people or events. As part of the historic environment they make an important contribution to the local distinctiveness and character of an area. They are also an important resource for education.
Historic Parks and Gardens are a fragile and finite resource. They can easily be damaged beyond repair or lost forever. In order to recognise the existence of those sites which are of particular historic importance, English Heritage is enabled by Section 8C of the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 to compile the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. The main purpose of this register is to help ensure that the features and qualities which make these landscapes of national importance can be safeguarded during ongoing management or if any change is being considered which could affect them.
Included on the register are well over 1000 sites which are divided into three grades which give added guidance on their significance:
Grade I considered to be of international importance (10%)
Grade II* considered to be exceptional historic interest (30%)
Grade II considered to be sufficiently high level of interest (majority)
Derby has three entries in the register of parks and gardens. These are: Nottingham Road Old Cemetery, The Old Cemetery, Uttoxeter New Road and Derby Arboretum.
The decision as to whether a park or garden merits registration is based quite simply on an assessment by English Heritage as to whether it can be said to be of "special historic interest" in the national context.
For further information please contact English Heritage at http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/ or the Built Environment Team at built.heritage@derby.gov.uk, or telephone (01332) 255060.