Make a difference with daffodils

Thu 1 Apr 2021

As Derby’s daffodils reach their peak, In Derby is supporting BBC Radio Derby’s Make a Difference campaign to adopt Spring’s sunniest flower as a symbol of new beginnings in these uncertain times.

BBC Radio Derby are encouraging people to put a picture of a daffodil in their windows as a symbol of hope, just as the rainbow became popular during the first lockdown.

As part of this, celebrated Derby artist Paul Cummins has painted a daffodil, which you can download from the BBC Radio Derby Make a Difference website and display in your window. He has also done a black and white version which you can colour in or decorate.

Paul Cummins was the artist behind the internationally acclaimed Tower of London Poppies installation, and Derby LIVE was proud to bring the Weeping Window display to the Silk Museum in June 2017.

We’ve also put together a list of the best daffodil displays to lift your spirits in Derby Parks. Please remember to follow current Government COVID restrictions when you’re visiting. There are plenty of displays making it easy to find one local to you, and please remember to respect the flowers so others can enjoy them too:

• Allestree Park (native daffodils in the woodland around the hall)
• Darley Park (between Darley Park Drive and Café and near play area)
• Darley Playing Fields
• Chaddesden Park
• Chester Green (along Alfreton Road)
• Entrances to Dale Road and Brunswood Parks, Spondon
• Oakwood Park (seen from Bishops Drive)

Some of the places you can see roadside displays are:

• Through Pride Park industrial estate
• Bass’s Recreation Ground (opposite Derbion centre)
• Merriel Way, Sinfin

Different varieties of daffodils flower at different times. Generally the smallest are the first to bloom, which are the February Gold daffodils at Chaddesden Park, followed by the native daffodils at Allestree Park. Larger daffodils like those at Chester Green can be seen later on, but there will be plenty left to see until the end of April.