Down to Earth Derby CIC

Founded by Jamie Quince Starkey, Down to Earth Derby creates vibrant spaces where people connect, culture blooms and nature takes the spotlight.

Reconnecting Communities with Nature

Down to Earth Derby (DTE Derby) is more than just a project; it’s a movement dedicated to bridging the gap between people and the natural world. Founded by Jamie, DTE Derby arose from a simple yet powerful realisation: our cities are fading into grey wastelands because we’ve lost touch with nature – the heart of community and culture. With this in mind, Jamie set out to make nature accessible to everyone, no matter their background or circumstances.

Starting from a small back garden in Derby, Jamie has grown DTE Derby into a beacon of sustainable urban regeneration, now transforming public spaces, nurturing creativity, and championing environmental responsibility across the city. By working closely with local communities, businesses and organisations, DTE Derby is creating spaces, events and educational programs that not only benefit the environment but also bring people together.

The heart of DTE Derby is its flagship project, Electric Daisy – a vibrant, award-winning garden located in the heart of Derby city centre. Once a neglected and underutilised car park, Electric Daisy has been reborn as a buzzing oasis that’s redefining what it means to live in a city. This space isn’t just about plants and flowers; it’s a hub for connection, culture and creativity. From thought-provoking talks and inspiring live music performances to hands-on gardening workshops and family-friendly events, Electric Daisy is a testament to the power of community and the potential for urban spaces to flourish when nurtured with purpose.

DTE Derby’s vision extends beyond Electric Daisy. This project is just the first step in a larger movement to regenerate Derby’s urban landscape. By harnessing the collective energy of individuals, organisations and the city itself, DTE Derby is helping to lay the groundwork for a city-wide transformation where nature and culture thrive together. Through sustainable practices, DTE Derby is working to create a greener, healthier future where people can reconnect with nature, learn and grow in their own communities.

What makes DTE Derby unique is that we don’t just build gardens; we cultivate opportunities for people to engage with the world around them, to feel the benefits of nature firsthand and to become active participants in creating a better future. By encouraging people to live with nature, DTE Derby is sparking a movement that celebrates collaboration, creativity and sustainability, all while making lasting, meaningful changes in the way we live, work and play in our cities.

With the continued success of Electric Daisy and a growing network of like-minded individuals, DTE Derby is leading the charge to make Derby a world leader in sustainable living. By blending art, culture and nature, DTE Derby is creating a space where everyone – no matter who they are or where they come from – can feel a sense of ownership, belonging and hope for the future.

The journey is only just beginning, but with every step forward, DTE Derby is proving that, when we come together with a shared vision, we can transform not just our cities, but our world.

www.dtederby.org

@dteregen