Investors urged to back next phase of nature-based regeneration vision

Down to Earth Regen has issued a rallying call to investors, funders and partners urging them to back the second phase of its nature-based regeneration vision.

Following the initial success of its Electric Daisy project, in Bold Lane, Phase 2 involves scaling up this model, which places nature, wellbeing and circular economy thinking at the heart of urban life.

According to Down to Earth Regen, it would expand climate education, wellbeing programmes and nature-led infrastructure.

It would also champion circular economies through design, events and community experiences.

At its core, Electric Daisy Phase 2 will be a living blueprint for how cities can regenerate through nature – socially, economically, and ecologically.

Using the latest in nature-based technologies and principles inspired by the natural world, it reimagines public space as a community-powered engine for resilience, inclusion, and hope.

According to Down to Earth Regen, the next phase has the potential to create 20 to 30 new green jobs and attract more than 65,000 visitors a year.

Now, it is seeking investors to help turn this next phase into reality.

Jamie Quince-Starkey, founder of Down to Earth Regen, said: “Society and planet need us to dramatically rethink the way we operate.

“Our planet is dying. Our education and health services are stretched to breaking point. Our ability to grow our own food is almost non-existent.

“We have big problems that need radical solutions — and nature has the answers.

“But this isn’t just about building a system that works and is nature-led — it’s about creating something exciting, something tangible, something that makes people in Derby, and visitors from beyond, feel hope, wonder and connection again.”

The project is guided by an influential advisory board including Sir Tim Smit (Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan), George Lamb (Wildfarmed), and local business leaders — blending world-class insight with strong grassroots commitment.

Ross Nicholson, business director at Down to Earth Regen, said: “This isn’t just another green space — it’s a catalyst for change.

“Phase 2 is ready to go — the ideas, the momentum, the public support are all there. Now we need bold partners to come in and help us build it.”

The plea follows a recent event at Electric Daisy at which Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, described the Down to Earth Regen team as “an incredible force of nature”.

She said: “They walked into our lives and became part of Team Derby.

“What they’re doing — nature-based regeneration that puts people and place first — is absolutely fabulous. We’re 100% behind it.”