Return of the Turtles

Bronze turtles set to return to River Gardens

The two bronze turtles that for years were in the River Gardens before being moved to Allestree Park are set to return to their original home.

The Our City Our River plan for the River Gardens transformation includes the two much-loved metal creatures being put on plinths adjacent to some of the new flood defences.

The original River Gardens were designed - complete with turtles - by borough architect Herbert Aslin in the 1930s. They were part of an ornamental fishpond that contained large fish and lilies.

They were removed and taken to Allestree Park where they adorn another pond, which is occasionally used by children for pond-dipping.

Nearby Allestree Hall is currently up for sale and so the pair's future had been uncertain.