The Arboretum was to be more than just a place of nature in a city though. It was designed with walkways and spaces to socialise, it was designed for people as well as nature. This still stands true today as people from all over the city still utilise the park for exactly that purpose. In the Summer it is not uncommon for the park to be full of people socialising and sunbathing.
The Arboretum is now Grade II listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Furthermore, it contains no fewer than 9 Grade II Listed structures within it. The park has also been presented the Green Flag award as of 2012/13. It also hosts events throughout the year and has a bandstand, Chinese bell tower and aviary amongst it's grounds.
Access to the Arboretum is easy with trams passing right by it and several roads with on street parking surrounding it. However due to it's convenient location within the city, it is only a short walk before you arrive at it. The park is located very close to Nottingham Trent University, as well as several lots of students accommodation. As such it is popular with the local students as well as the residents and may be the only piece of natural Nottingham that they experience whilst studying there.
These facts will most certainly be worth baring in mind throughout the project.
I will be visiting the site on multiple occasions to experience it, survey it, and see how it changes throughout the day and week.