Growing Hollingdean supports community growing and wildlife in the Hollingdean area. We work with other local groups to improve biodiversity, and provide opportunities for learning about local nature and how to grow food. Our overall aim is to nurture a resilient local community.
Thursday at Hollingdean Community Centre, 1pm to 2.30pm
Join Polly and Growing Hollingdean volunteers at Hollingdean Community Centre at 1pm to 2.30pm on Thursday 9th May 2024. We have spring onions, cherry bush tomatoes, lettuce, basil and thyme for you to plant up for free and take home to grow. See how they grow until they are ready to eat! All ages welcome.
Thank you to Andrew Amos at RAGS for growing these beautiful seedlings.
Real Junk Food Project ‘pay as you feel’ Café 12.30pm till 1.45pm
Also on Thursday’s at the Hollingdean Community Centre the Real Junk Food Projectvolunteers with be there cooking up some fabulous food on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
5th May 2024 Tree Guardians, 10am to 12pm @ Hollingdean Park entrance
We meet at the noticeboard by the entrance to Hollingdean Park on the junction of Lynchet Close and Brentwood Close. You will see our shed on the opposite verge. Join us for tree gardening somewhere in the local area. Wear appropriate clothing / shoes for the weather and bring a drink. We can supply gloves and tools.
6th May 2024, Monday Bank Holiday, Froglife pond planting and picnic
Hollingdean Park Community Orchard, 10am to 2pm
Join Growing Hollingdean volunteers on the May Bank Holiday with Froglife for aquatic pond planting and bank gardening and mulching the fruit trees. Fingers crossed the rain will have filled the pond by then! Please wear appropriate clothing and bring a drink. If you would like to celebrate the new pond with us, bring a picnic too. It is a great time to stop and chat, get together and catch up with our volunteers.
Please share with friends and family and we look forward to seeing your there.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Growing Hollingdean – learn where your nearest fruit and nut trees and community gardens are in Hollingdean
Froglife information stall, learn about the new amphibian habitats being built in your area and how to build your own
Pesticide Action Network (PAN) – information stall. The only UK charity focused solely on tackling the problems caused by pesticides and promoting safe and sustainable alternatives in agriculture, urban areas, homes and gardens.
Raffle – local goodies donated by Infinity Food, £20 voucher Fiveways Fruits, 50p a ticket or £2 for a row (5 tickets)
Cakes and drinks – homemade cakes, tea, coffee and juice
Growing Hollingdean AGM meeting. Hear about our achievements and future plans
We will be accepting card and cash. All proceeds go towards funding our core costs.
We look forward to meeting you. Thank you to the Community Centre for hosting us, Amos, volunteers, Infinity Foods and Fiveways Fruits.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Hertford Road pavement plants and street clean, 17 March 2024
Hertford Road families got together on Sunday 17 March 2024 and cleared away pavement plants (sometimes called ‘weeds’). This year Brighton & Hove Council is reintroducing Glyphosate treatment to clear street weeds and wildflowers (treatments are planned for April, June and August). Hertford Road residents decided to clear the plants so that the council does not need to treat their street. Residents in Hanover and Elm Grove have already been informed by Councillor Tim Rowkins that their streets won’t be treated with Glyphosate as they don’t have a problem there, so we are hopeful that Hollingdean will also be as fortunate. After objections to glyphosate were raised Councillors promised that streets will be able to apply to opt out if they take care of their weeds and plants are not causing a trip hazard or blocking the way for wheelchair users.
Love them or hate then, pavement plants support a wide range of wildlife in our city
Did you know dandelions are one of the earliest reliable nectar sources? And as spring comes on bees, butterflies, insects and minibeasts are all looking for food. They pollinate blossom and plants which bloom and give us healthy crops later in the year. We really need thriving populations of insects, and you may have noticed that they are declining year on year. In 2023 Parliament how our food security is threatened as pollinating insects have declined by 60% in the last 20 years. And as we know, fewer insects means less bats, birds and the small mammals that feed on them, too.
And glyphosate is very bad for our own health too. Evidence shows it causes various cancers and neurological problems. Treating our streets brings the risk of toxic chemical on our shoes, wheels, hands and is also a danger to pets as well as wild animals. You might want to bear this in mind if your street is treated. Hands and feet off!
So… should we try to keep Glyphosate off our streets as well and how about out of our gardens, too?
It maybe even more important to do everything we can in our own spaces this year. The best way is to keep everything in balance in our own green spaces is gardening organically. Instead of using RoundUp (which is glyphosate) try removing problematic plants by using non-toxic methods such as boiling water, salt, vinegar, mulch and hand weeding. They may disappear altogether or be significantly weakened so that they disappear after a second treatment. Our gardens can thrive with nature blooming in every corner. Try this downloadable guide for dealing with a wide range of pests safely. Who knows, maybe your garden and our streets could become wildlife havens. How exciting it would be to watch that happen
Enjoy your gardening now that spring is truly here! And take care of those lovely pollinators to get the best blooms and biggest crops.
Join Mel for some light gardening tasks involve pruning, weeding, mulching and general tidying. Tavistock Down Community Garden, Hollingdean, BN1 7BX. We look forward to meeting you.
Strength & Balance is important says Ageing Well website
“As we get older our muscle strength and balance reduces, and this increases our risk of having a life-changing fall. The good news is that we can reduce this risk, and the earlier we start, the better. Being active and doing simple exercises designed to improve strength and balance can make a real difference. Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing, and we can all take steps to help us stay strong and steady and keep our independence.” Other Aging Well event going on in Brighton, thank you to the Brighton & Hove Council. Six exercises to build strength and balance at home.
“The activities associated with gardening can help to increase overall muscle strength, balance, and flexibility, helping you stay mobile, and keeping the heart healthy. The tasks you do in the garden can also burn some serious calories, with weeding burning up to 400 calories an hour and studies finding that the physical exertion of working in a garden may help offset age related weight gain.” Says Abbeyfield
How to find Two Trees Community Garden @ Tavistock Down
The gate entrance is accessible via south end of Tavistock Down, behind the play park, next to the turning to Thompson Road.
Tavistock Down Community Garden Hollingdean Brighton
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Tavistock Down community garden was designed in 2014 to create a space where people in the community could come and spend time together or alone.
The planting around the garden has been done in a way that people are welcome to stroll through and pick fruits and veg as they please. Any larger amounts of crops have always been passed on to the local Bright Store project or food bank to supplement peoples diets with healthy organic fruits and veg.
We are currently very much in need of more people to be involved so the garden community can grow and support more people. Volunteers of all abilities and backgrounds are welcome to help maintain the garden every 3rd Monday of the month between 3-5pm.Contact Mel on 07543201670 or tdcommunitygarden@gmail.com to let her know you will be attending and meet the locals. See the Facebook page.
Olive tree bed before plantingOlive tree bed after plantingMain bed before weedingMain bed after weeding
How to find Two Trees Community Garden @ Tavistock Down
The gate entrance is accessible via south end of Tavistock Down, behind the play park, next to the turning to Thompson Road.
Tavistock Down Community Garden Hollingdean Brighton
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Building a dead hedge is fun and very easy. A dead hedge makes fantastic shelter, homes, food, nesting sites for a variety of wildlife from birds and mammals to insects, amphibians and reptiles. And it will help keep the pond safe for young children. The bark ‘beach’ will be a place for children to experience ‘pond-dipping’ activities in future, under the guidance of our Growing Hollingdean volunteers.
Stage two and three build of the Hollingdean Forest Garden Pond
Stage two – 20th March 2024, excavation and digging
Lizard seen at Hollingdean Park Orchard
Stage two of the pond dig was a clear crisp day, perfect for more digging. Growing Hollingdean volunteers and Will our Froglife expert at Hollingdean Park Orchard.
Continued on 21st March 2024
Dead hedge building March 2024Dead hedge for wild life to hide
Thursday was grey foggy March day and only one way to keep warm is to dig! Lots of fun was had by the volunteers.
Stage three – 3rd April 2024, level the pond edges, line the pond
Level the pond edges and add liner and add fence. Well done to all the volunteers.
PLUS 6th May 2024, Monday Bank Holiday, planting the pond and celebrating our fantastic achievements, 10am to 2pm
Join Growing Hollingdean volunteers on the May Bank Holiday with Froglife for pond planting with aquatic plants and bank planting. Please wear appropriate clothing and bring a drink. It is time to get together and celebrate as well.
Please share with friends and family and we look forward to seeing your there.
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Brentwood Road Notice BoardHollingdean Community Centre notice boardDavey Drive Notice BoardTavistock Road Notice Board
Growing Hollingdean volunteers have been out planting around the notice boards in Hollingdean. Making them a more friendly place for humans and wildlife in our new mini gardens. Seen in Hollingdean Park, Brentwood Road, Davey Drive, Tavistock Down and at the Hollingdean Community Centre.
Some of the plants planted are Rosemary (Salviarosmarinus), purple sage (Salviaofficinalis ‘Purpurascens’), English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and curry plant (Helichrysumitalicum). We hope you enjoy our efforts and thank you to the volunteers involved.
We would love you to get involved
Join in or just bring a smile, we look forward to meeting you.
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The sun returned last Friday, and local parents and some tiny helpers got busy sowing a wildflower patch in Hollingdean park. After the redevelopment of the park, a fairly large patch of earth was left without turf, and some Growing Hollingdean members spotted an opportunity – getting permission to seed the area to create a wildflower patch.
The chalky, stony soil in the park (and across this area) is ideal for wild flowers who don’t like a lot of rich soil. In wild places, and creeping into lawns and verges there are already quite a diversity of wild flowers in Hollingdean, and Growing Hollingdean has some projects to support and diversify this further.
Join us every Friday from 3 – 5pm in the Hollingdean Park Community Orchard
Sowing wildflower seeds at Hollingdean Park
Sowing wild flowers with preschool kids in March, 2024
Sowing wild flowers isn’t a tricky business – but it does require a bit of labour. The ground needs to be raked or ‘scarified’ first to create nooks and crannies for the seeds to nestle into before the seed is mixed with sand, scattered over the area, and stamped down. A group of pre-schoolers and their parents who meet every Friday in Hollingdean’s orchard behind the Children Centre agreed to take on the task!
Having toddlers help with seed distribution might not have resulted in the most even spread of seed, and balancing babies meant we only completed half the job, but we’ll be back to finish, and looking forward to seeing the flowers start growing over the year.
Apple Picker Parents DIY Forest School Club 2024
If you have preschool children, and enjoy being outside, the Apple Picker Parents DIY forest school club meet every Friday from 3 – 5pm in the Hollingdean Park Community Orchard. Bring a drink and a snack and warm play clothes and come and join the fun!
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Fun was had on a very wet morning on 17th March, some of our volunteers and their friends met up for a silent disco litter pick. Yes- they danced and sang round the Hollingdean estate!
Tickets were free on Eventbrite with only 14 headsets where avaiable and bookings went fast. Well done to those who took part, filling 23 bags of rubbish. What a great way to have a laugh, some fitness and do your bit for the community on a very, very dull Sunday morning!
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Growing Hollingdean volunteers seen at Hollingdean Park in February 2024
Hollingdean forest garden pond at Hollingdean Park in February, 2024
Growing Hollingdean volunteers had a happy and productive session, with the first stage of making a wildlife pond in the Hollingdean Park community orchard behind the Children’s Centre. Despite the weather being perfect for amphibians, volunteers and Froglife team, cracked on.
Vegetation clearing volunteers
We mapped the pond area with a rope and lifted the turf; started to dig down; moved an area of branches that will form a dead-hedge around the pond to keep all safe; cleared a new path to the compost bin; freed, weeded and mulched a little Plumcot tree. The area was transformed. And we had time for a chatty tea break and thought we really should have an award for new volunteers who pitch up on a rainy day. Our youngest digger was 3! Impressive!
Many thanks to all, especially our newcomers.
Free events and volunteer days for your diary
20th March 2024 – NEW DATE – Wednesday, 10am to 2pm,
Continue clearing vegetation and working on the excavation.
21st March 2024, Thursday, 10am to 2pm,
Complete excavation, dig trench and collect dead-hedging material.
3rd April 2024, Wednesday, 10am to 4pm
Level pond edges, line pond and dead-hedge.
6th May 2024, Monday Bank Holiday, 10am to 2pm
Pond planting (with aquatic plants) and bank planting.
Please share with friends and family and we look forward to seeing your there.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Growing Hollingdean volunteers the first Sunday, March 2024
Three apple trees received tree guardian love, care and attention on Sunday 3rd March 2024. We welcomed a few new volunteers this session and a total of nine people took part. We cleared the grass and weeds, staked, mulched and put new protective cages round the trees at the top of Brentwood Road. Pruning with our amazing ladder, which can be used on uneven group took place on the oldest of the three trees, trimming back some branches to give it room to breathe. This is best done as a group effort, so people can see the branches from all angles and identify which ones to remove.
To find your nearest fruit or nut tree near you, see our Tree Guardian Volunteers page for the Hollingdean Tree Map. Look closely at the tree’s with leaf buds and blossom. How to identify spring blossom here.
Jo-seph donated one of his birthday presents to the community in Hollingdean this month. He and Claire planted a wild pear sapling. They had some help from Donetsk and his friend, who willingly got stuck in hammering in sturdy chestnut stakes with the post driver. The stakes and fencing will help protect the young tree from mowers. And as it grows the young tree can be attached to the stakes to help it withstand strong winds that could otherwise rock it and weaken the root system.
Wild pears are thought to have been native in the UK since AD 995. As this one grows it will blossom beautifully in spring and tell us that winter is passing. A bit like it’s neighbour, the Hawthorn tree.
If you would like to donate a tree please contact us here.
Join us for the next Tree Guardians session on Sunday, 3rd March 2024
We also run monthly volunteer gardening sessions on the first Sunday of every month. These sessions provide practical fruit care training to volunteers, ensuring our local trees thrive. Meet 10am outside Sure Start Centre, Brentwood Road, Hollingdean Park. We look forward to meeting you.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Tree Guardians met twice this week to finish pruning, staking and fencing the apple trees on Brentwood Road. We are very lucky to have a good pruning ladder, saw and secateurs funded through Estate Development Budget (EDB) money. Before making a cut we talk through the options and decide on the best action. That way we all learn whilst we work.
Brentwood Road, 2024
We had a new volunteer on Friday who enjoyed post ramming. Some regular Tree Guardians came to support and help with their small children on what was a beautiful sunny day. A Victoria plum tree has been added to the soft fruit area near the entrance to Burstead Woods by Burstead Close – it will be exciting when we start to see the fruit! We also added a guard to an elder tree that has been damaged twice by contractor’s mowers, so hopefully this now has a chance to grow into a strong healthy tree that will provide pollen, nectar and fruit for the future.
The Woodland Trust says “Woods and trees can improve our health and wellbeing in many ways, including reducing stress, improving mood, and boosting the immune system.” We are so lucky to have this just a few streets away and for free. Also see “8 STEPS TO ACHIEVING LONG-TERM MINDFULNESS WITH WOODS AND TREES” here.
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Growing Hollingdean volunteers spent a couple of hours clearing the ivy and weeds away from the base of four cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) trees. Then they laid cardboard down and covered it in a thick wood chip mulch. This bank is very steep, the volunteers managed to fill a bag of thrown beer cans from amongst the vegetation.
This is a wonderful area for insect and manuals to hibernate and feed
The Davey Drive bank is a very good area for the slow worms, they bask in the sunshine to warm up on this south facing bank. Frogs have also been seen here and in the gardens above. Please take time to look next time your passing.
Weeds, wild flowers and blossom are important to our insects
This area may look messy to our eyes but there will be bee’s, bugs and butterflies hibernating in the undergrowth. Such as the common blue butterfly which overwinters in larval form. The caterpillars will emerge in spring, feeding from the wild flowers beds here. The humming bird hawk moths are also seen in the summer on Davey Drive’s wild flowers and weeds.
We are lucky to have such beautiful nature on our door steps.
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Mulching and tidying Hollingdean Community Orchard
It was a quiet Tree Guardians session on this first Sunday in February. A light drizzle and the lure of Seedy Sunday in town, meant the numbers were very small. So small, in fact it was a solo mission! Hilary weeded and mulched a tree in the Hollingdean Community Orchard at Hollingdean Park, did a general litter pick, and started work battling with a cherry tree stump sending up suckers.
Hilary says “Whilst having a big team is great for powering through – sometimes its actually amazing what you can get done, and what you notice when your out on your own – including the starts of spring sprouts on the trees, and more bird visitors!”
Well done Hilary, it must have been wonderful to have this green space to your self.
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
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New apple tree at ‘Two Tree Community Garden’, January 2024
Some of our fruit trees have died from disease or damage. We have been able to replace some of these. At Two Trees Community Gardens, Mel spotted a very young tree that had snapped and died. Our Tree Guardians replaced it with a young apple tree and learnt how to stake and tie a tree.
Sadly an 8-10 year old plum tree died from Fireblight disease, see it explained here. Local residents on the corner of ‘The Linkway’ and ‘The Crestway’ tried to help it survive by watering it but drought was not the problem this time.
However, if you have a young fruit tree (up to 3 years old) near you, please water it in dry weather. Laying a mulch around the roots as wide as the branches also helps and keeps grass at bay. This means the tree has less competition, more nutrients and moisture is not lost through evaporation. It all makes a big difference and the tree will thank you for it!
Next Tree Guardians session is on 4th February 2024
Meet Hilary outside Sure Start notice board on Brentwood Road at 10am or meet us up at Hollingdean Park Orchard for a couple of hours of mulching. Remember to bring yourself a drink. We look forward to meeting you.
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
One of our Tree Guardian volunteers, Polly, organised a Saturday session on Brentwood Road, with locals Pippa, Nic, Holly, Derek and Marko. Staking three apple trees and giving them a spring pruning. The sun was shining and everyone enjoyed a bit of strength training, post ramming stakes, weighing about 15kg. Great fun.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Can’t make our volunteering day on the first Sunday of the month?
Not a problem! There are additional days when we meet up. Our volunteers have a Whatsapp group and Jo-seph gathers our Tree Guardians together for extra volunteering days. Join us for fresh air, free fitness, for a couple of hours on Sunday morning. We will be either digging, staking, or mulching, combined with great chatter and laughter.
It was a cold bright Sunday in January 2024 when volunteers got together to plant young apple trees to replace the trees that had died. Our trees live in very harsh conditions, staking keeps them safe from the wind and strimmer’s. Growing Hollingdean volunteers raise money to buy stakes and acquire free wood chip locally.
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
Growing Hollingdean Volunteers free activity in January 2024
Jenni from the Permaculture Trust Partnership shared her knowledge how to prune the fruit trees with a small group of Tree Guardians. It was a very cold and dry Saturday morning on the 13th January. Lots of laughter and banter was had to help remember to all the techniques.
Polly supported pruning decisions and discussions around pruning practice as well as ladder safety use. We pruned two pear trees on The Old Green Community Garden, tidied, picked up litter and removed animal poo from the area. Some people say January is a month of no gardening!
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Mulching and pruning our local fruit and nut trees
Jo-seph gathered volunteers on most weekends in December to mulch, prune and garden around our local fruit and nut trees. Wood chip was spread to mulch the trees by Stevens Road flats. Grey days are the perfect reason to get out into the fresh air for a bit of exercise and meet up with lovely locals. We all feel good in just a couple of hours of volunteer gardening. Come and join in!
We prune fruit and nut trees “To cut out disease, damage and deadwood: pruning to remove these three Ds is considered a way to promote a healthy, productive tree.” Says Wade Muggleton at Permaculture Magazine see the website for the full and interesting article.
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Gardening and the Real Junk Food lunch in December, 2023
Polly and Abbie our Growing Hollingdean volunteers, enjoyed some gardening at Hollingdean Community Centre today and lovely lunch with the Real Junk Food Project. They also bumped into Svenja and Emma, Tree Guardians with their gorgeous babies.
Polly says“Abbie and I removed weeds from the flowerbeds and spread nine bags of woodchip around the base of the trees, oon the beds and baby walnut at the top of Thompson Road. I moved a climbing rose from the planter to the flowerbed, planted Shasta daisies and miscanthus grass, spread some delicious compost created by the Tumblr and added cyclamen from Shirley the Centre Manager to the hanging baskets and planter.”
We recommend popping down to see the garden at the Hollingdean Community Centre and enjoy the events. The Real Junk Food Project is on Thursdays 12.30pm to 1.45pm @ Hollingdean Community Centre – donations or pay as you can.
If interested in helping with the community centre garden please email Polly via growinghollingdean@gmail.com or see where your local garden is here.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Mulching the local fruit and nut trees in November 2023
The Brentwood Road Tree Guardians have come together as a group of local residents to look after the fruit and nut trees a few times a year. In November they gathered woodchip and used it to mulch their local apple, cornelian cherry, quince and hazel trees; and the elder, gooseberry and currant bushes. This helps to keep weeds down and hold in moisture around the roots. It also helps define growing areas and protect them from council strimmers/mowers. These trees, shrubs and bushes were planted by Brighton Permaculture Trust and Growing Hollingdean, see our tree map here.
Brentwood Road, November 2023Brentwood Road, November 2023Brentwood Road, November 2023
Why use woody mulches around the garden? The RHS says…
Left to right Nicky, Karen, Polly and Holly, Brentwood Road Tree Guardians
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
For FREE Tree Care event on Sunday 3rd December 2023, 10am -12pm
This week is National Tree Week 2023 and this weekend Hollingdean’s Tree Guardian volunteers are celebrating with a special FREE Tree Care event on Sunday 10am -12pm… Meet us by the Children’s Centre, Lynchet Close at 10.00 on Sunday 3rd December 2023. New volunteers are very welcome, especially if you are interested in the fruit and nut trees on Stephen’s Road, Horton Road and Davey Drive. It is friendly and fun in the fresh air and no special knowledge is needed. Training given.
Did you know… Hollingdean is really special with 282+ fruit and nut trees in our verges and green spaces (plums, apples, pears, mulberry’s, figs, hazels, walnuts and more). They all need regular mulching and pruning to produce beautiful crops for everyone to share. Mulching around a fruit tree can double its chances of survival and triple its growth in its first 3 years! And, growing trees in cities gives us much needed shade helping to cool temperatures by up to 12 degrees? That’s a lot of benefit from our lovely trees. #NationalTreeWeek or #GrowATree or https://treecouncil.org.uk/
We look forward to meeting you.Thank you to our regular volunteers.
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Lots of chatter could be heard at the Mountfield bus stop as Growing Hollingdean volunteers gathered with tools and spring bulbs. Wild flowers seeds were harvested and we piled the cut back vegetation around the two nut trees. This creates habitat for over wintering insects whilst it breaks down into mulch to feed the walnut trees. Where flowers were still in bloom, we left them for the bees to enjoy. Claire bought native narcissi and snowdrops spring bulbs with funds donated by St Matthias. We planted them round the edges of the patch.
Lots of insects found in the wild flowerbedVegetation piled up to mulch the walnut trees and shelter over wintering insects Spring bulbs planted for everyone to enjoy
Finally, the ground was raked and seeded with yellow rattle, to germinate in the spring. Yellow rattle are wildflowers that seek out the roots of grasses growing nearby. They draw water and nutrients from grass roots, suppressing grasses by as much as 60%, which makes room for other wildflowers to bloom. This helps create a more biodiverse and colourful meadow. Watch this space to see how it all works next year!
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
Thank you to the volunteers who joined Leigh outside the 119-129 flats on Horton Road Sunday 12th, it was a very grey November day. Leigh applied for funding via the councils Estate Development Budget to pay for plants to extend the already existing and wonderfully successful flowerbed. You may have spotted it in the summer, at the top of Horton Road.
Lots of giggles were had planting by numbers
Yes, we actually planted by numbers!! using a supplied selection of plants and placement roll from an amazing company called ‘Garden on a roll‘. Plus we shared some deliciously home baked chocolate cookies and fresh apple juice. The only challenge was planting on the slope! Leigh choose a ‘Sensory Border’ and a ‘English Cottage Garden Border’ at 2 metres long per bed with 20 plants in total. We all enjoyed the company, fresh air and the satisfaction of a good job done. Watch this space to see how it grows.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Growing Hollingdean volunteer Sheila told stories in the sunshine
The 23rd of September turned out be a sunny day in the community orchard and the perfect setting for an afternoon of autumnal storytelling.
We made a circle of picnic blankets and Sheila wove a mix of stories from around the world with help from some young friends, and those gathered joined in to make a beautiful and unique event.
There were snacks and drinks, and a wide range of ages coming together under the bunting to celebrate the turning of the year.
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On Sunday 12th November 2023, 10.30 to 12.30 at Flats 119-129
Come and join us to extend to our flowerbed! We will be adding more plants to the flower bed in front of flats 119-129 Horton Road, with the help of Growing Hollingdean volunteers and their gardening equipment. No experience needed, we will all be learning together.
Horton Road’s new flowerbed has been really successful this year!
Be part of this exciting project to bring our community together, improve our green spaces for us and for the insects and bee’s to benefit too. Join us to see the flowerbed grow, we look forward to seeing you there.
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Will and Lily from Froglife joined Growing Hollingdean volunteers in October half-term week to put on a great event in the park!
Hollingdeaners of all ages learnt how to build wildlife ponds and other habitats for frogs, toads, newts and other wild creatures. Some people took home kits to make their own small pond at home. And lots more joined in chatting, drawing and building bug hotels, too. Froglife also helped people put their own pond or bog garden on the Hollingdean map showing how wildlife corridors can flourish in every part of Hollingdean.
Froglife will be doing more to help us build ponds and other habitats in 2024
If you would like to join in more Froglife fun, know more about amphibians and reptiles and have your say about new ponds, join us here to get regular updates. We look forward to seeing you next time.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteers who made this possible.
Tuesday 24th October 2023 10am to 3pm in Hollingdean Park by the Orchard
Froglife and Growing Hollingdean are organizing a FREE event at Hollingdean Park, Lyncet Close on 24th October 2023 during half term. Froglife have funding to create wildlife areas with bog gardens and ponds in Hollingdean. The event will include fun activities, FREE mini pond kits and advice on creating habitats like a Hibernacula. We also want to hear your ideas about these exciting projects. Come and join in on the fun activities for all ages.
Frogs hiding in the undergrowth in Hollingdean ParkFrog found in the Old Green Community Garden Pond
Frogs, toads, newts and more…
How can we attract more wildlife to our green spaces?
You can attract more wildlife to your green space, join us and pick up a FREE mini pond kit and a ‘Just Add Water’ pond guide to take home! Also:
Tell us about the wildlife you have seen in Hollingdean.
Where you think new ponds and other wildlife friendly habitats could be made.
Find out how to make a mini pond or bog garden.
Learn how to make wildlife friendly habitat like a Hibernacula.
Free entry, everyone of all ages are welcome. We look forward to meeting you.
For more information see the Froglife website here.
Thank you to the October 2023 Tree Guardian Volunteers
Our Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardians volunteers gathered together at Hollingdean Park orchard on the first Sunday of September, 2023. We gave the fruit tree’s a much needed woodchip bed to suppress the tall grasses, lots of digging and wheel barrowing share amounts the group. Repairs were also made to the bee boxes and raspberries were harvested. We also found lots of insects and a frog hiding under a log.
It was a fun two hours of free fitness, fresh air and with much laughter, perfect for our metal health and wellbeing.
Next Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardians 5th November 2023
The next Tree Guardian gathering is Sunday morning, 5th November 2023 at the Sure Start Centre, the entrance to Hollingdean Park. We look forward to seeing you.
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
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Richard, a Hollingdean resident has kept Bee’s in his back garden for 40 years
In August 2023, Hollingdean resident Richard hosted a beekeeping session in his garden, where he’s been keeping Bees for four decades. Attendees of the Growing Hollingdean volunteers learned about bee hives and the behaviour of Bees. Richard also introduced them to a broad frame, where the queen bee lays her eggs.
Thank you Richard for a wonderful few hours in your garden, for showing us your bee hives and answering all our questions. We all had a fantastic afternoon and enjoyed your honey very much.
Growing Hollingdean volunteers enjoyed learning about Bee hives from a local resident Richard, August 2023
“Hello good people of Growing Hollingdean. Thanks to those of you that came to see my bee’s on Saturday and brought such good cake. In the photo you see me holding a broad frame. The queen lives in the broad box where she lays her eggs i.e. lower part of the bee hive. These Bee’s are from a young hive, a swam caught in the summer from an apple tree in Davey Drive.”
Keep up the good work, Richard
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
The Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardians volunteers were out and about with our local tree expert, Jenni. She showed us how to harvest fruit and thin it to create space for the remaining apples, pears and plums to grow bigger. Why not try picking some yourself now? It is ready to eat and there for everyone to share.
Thank you to all the September volunteers
We are look forward to meeting for the next Tree Guardians session on Sunday 1st October 2023. Contact Growing Hollingdeanhere if you would like to join us. Or meet us at the Hollingdean Children’s Centre (Sure Start) on Brentwood Road at 10am. Bring water and suitable clothes for the weather. Training and support is given. We will wait 10 minutes before going to our location. See you there!
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Join us next time Sunday 5th November 2023, 10:30am – 12:30pm
A massive thank you to Polly and Sarahjane from Growing Hollingdean, and to our other volunteers, for coming along to the Old Green Community Garden‘s September work day, 2023. After having to cancel our August session, the garden was looking at tad neglected in the morning, but everyone chipped in to battle the bindweed, prune the plants, and tend to the trees, and by lunchtime, everyone’s hard work had paid off and it was looking spectacular.
Thanks to Michelle for bringing along the refreshments – we were more than happy to make sure the chocolate biscuits were all eaten rather than being left to melt in the sun!
A cup of tea is very refreshing in the heat!
Our next work day is on Sunday 5th November, so if you fancy a little spot of gardening in the morning before some fireworks in the evening, please come and join us at The Old Green on Stanmer Street, Hollingdean from 10:30am – 12:30pm.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Mel has been busy adding compost and top dressing the largest of the three flower beds in the community garden. She plans to move plants to here from another part of the garden. On Monday 18 September, Mel and her volunteers will be doing some light weeding and mulching the fruit bushes and would appreciate your help or just join us for a good old natter!
It’s very satisfying removing the weeds in the community gardens
Every 3rd Monday of the month between 3-5pm at the Tavistock Down Community Garden. There are a variety of small gardening jobs requiring your help. Mel will be there to advise you. All skill levels welcome, from beginners to expert. We recommend you bring gloves, a drink and wear sensible shoes, all other tools will be provided.
Please pop over and lend a hand or just for a chat. We look forward to meeting you! Contact Mel on 07543 201 670 or tdcommunitygarden@gmail.com to let her know you will be attending and meet the locals.
Saturday 23rd September 2023, at 3pm till 4pm @ Hollingdean Park Orchard
Immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling, as one of our local volunteers captures tales of adventure, mystery and wonder this Autumn Equinox. The story is for all ages and tickets are available by donation on Eventbrite, click here.
Under 18s will need to be accompanied by an parent / guardian. Hot drinks and snacks will be sold on the day (cash or card accepted).
We hope to see you there!
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
The Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardians were at Merevale on 13 August 2023. Clearing the weeds from around the trees and installing new tree guards. One of the old tree guards was causing more damage than helping. These guard protect our trees so they grow big and strong. See our tree map.
We are looking forward to meeting again for the next Tree Guardian session on Sunday 3rd September 2023. Contact Growing Hollingdeanhere if you would like to join in and to let you know where we will be. One of our Growing Hollingdean volunteers will give everyone training and support. Please wear suitable clothing for the weather and bring a drink and a snack if needed. Equipment will be supplied (under 18’s must to be accompanied by a parent/guardian).
Thank you to all the August volunteers for helping out in Hollingdean
Our Tree Guardian Sessions run the first Sunday 10am-12noon every month. We meet outside Hollingdean Children’s Centre (Sure Start) on Brentwood Road. We will wait 10 minutes before going to our location.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Gardening behind the flats on Horton Road, Hollingdean
Leigh, one of Growing Hollingdean volunteers was given free plants from a local business. These plants were going to be thrown away and Leigh was there to rescue them. Together with free cardboard and woodchip, Leigh and Abbie set to creating a new flower bed behind the flats on Horton Road, Hollingdean.
Using skills learnt from a previous planting day lead by Jenny in the autumn of 2022, Leigh and Abbie picked a spot near a plum tree to bring in the insects to pollenate the tree and created a beautiful flowerbed for everyone to enjoy.
Create a flowerbed near you
If you would like to learn how to create a flowerbed near you, join us on one of our volunteer session and meet the gang who can help.
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
We will be applying to the next Estate Development Budget (EDB) for funding for murals being painted on our two green sheds and the block of flats opposite Hollingdean Park. Carl who painted and designed the other two block of flats next to the ally way between Merevale and Brentwood Road in Hollingdean will be painting this third one.
Growing Hollingdean Shed Mural to Hide Graffiti Tagging, designed by CarlHollingdean building Graffiti designed by Carl
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
All skill level gardeners welcome, from beginners to expert
Every 3rd Monday of the month between 3-5pm at the Tavistock Down Community Garden. There are a variety of small gardening jobs requiring your help. Mel will be there to advise you. All skill levels welcome, from beginners to expert. We recommend you bring gloves, a drink and wear sensible shoes, all other tools will be provided.
Please pop over and lend a hand or just for a chat. We look forward to meeting you! Contact Mel on 07543 201 670 or tdcommunitygarden@gmail.com to let her know you will be attending and meet the locals. See her Facebook page.
How to find Two Trees Community Garden @ Tavistock Down
The gate entrance is accessible via south end of Tavistock Down, behind the play park, next to the turning to Thompson Road.
Tavistock Down Community Garden Hollingdean Brighton
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
The Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardians were at Dryads Community Orchard on Golf Drive in Hollingdean the first Sunday in July 2023. Jo-seph, our lead Tree Guardian, showed everyone how to use a scythe and cut their way through the long grass. After a safety briefing other gardening and tree care tasks were carried out, such as weeding and mulching around the trees and the newly planted soft fruit bushes.
Thank you to all the July volunteers for helping out in Hollingdean
We are looking forward to meeting again for the next Tree Guardian session, change of date to Sunday 13th August 2023. Contact Growing Hollingdeanhere if you would like to join in and to let you know where we will be.
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
The role would include organising a 2-hour litter-picking session in Hollingdean once a month. You need to be available to do so on a weekend. This role should take around 4-5 hours a month, to include organising the session and the litter picker event.
Join our team!
Preferably, you will be first aid trained; if not, we can arrange training for you. We have a meeting once a month, and now and then you need to come. If you are interested, please send a cover letter to our email, info@growinghollingdean.org.uk
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
Monday 17 July 2023, 3-5pm at Two Trees Community Garden, Tavistock Down
Join Mel in the garden to set up the new vegetable beds in Two Trees Community Garden on Tavistock Down, see map here. She will be adding compost to the new beds, weeding under the fruit bushes and picking currants. Bring a containers to take home your pickings, also a drink and a smile.
New vegetable beds at Two Trees Community Garden ready to plant up
Volunteers of all abilities, ages and backgrounds are welcome to help maintain the garden every 3rd Monday of the month between 3-5pm
Contact Mel on 07543201670 or tdcommunitygarden@gmail.com to let her know you will be joining her or just turn up.
It was wonderful to see the return of the Hollingdean Lucky Dip, this time around at St. Richards Church. Growing Hollingdean volunteers had a good showing, with a plant stall, and three different activities.
Decorating Earwig Bell Houses
First up was making and decorating Earwig Bell Houses to encourage aphid munching creatures and pollinators to move in and protect our fruit trees.
Free Growing Food in Small Spaces
‘There was also a chance to get started with growing your own with Growing Food in Small Spaces, by planting up a pot of herbs, salads or vegetables to take home to a windowsill, balcony, or sunny corner. A total of 16 pots where planted up and taken home for free on the day.
Free Mini Water Garden making
Finally, Growing Hollingdean volunteers hosted a water garden on behalf of the Lucky Dip team to make a mini pond-in-a-pot with free water plants and containers.
With all the activities it was a lovely, relaxed day with people dropping in and out and getting involved! Thanks to the Lucky Dip crew and other stall holders for bringing the Lucky Dip back to Hollingdean once again. It’s always a lovely community to be part of. Look forward to seeing you at our next event. For the Lucky Dip Facebook page click here.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with our wider community of all ages from three years to teenagers, families and retired people. 19 beautiful pots of herbs and salad were planted up and taken home for free at Hollingdean Community Centre in June. Claire and Polly our Growing Hollingdean volunteer for Grow Food in Small Spaces helped locals choose their plants. At our Hollingdean Park event, Joseph another Growing Hollingdean volunteer helped plant up 15 tasty pots.
A big thank you to Amos from RAGS
A big thank you to Amos from RAGS (Roedale Allotments and Gardens Society) for donating the these small plants he grew rainbow chard, Pak choi, lettuce, chives, spring onions, basil, coriander and thyme. Polly grew tomato, spinach and Pak choi plants.
To hear about all future events, sign up to our newsletter. We look forward to meeting you.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Our Growing Hollingdean volunteers got together for some local gardening
A couple of our Growing Hollingdean volunteers got together today to do a few hours of gardening on the Horton Road flower bed. They also added recycled cement roofing tiles to support the soil for the plants and mulch. They also added in a few more plants for the empty patches. And of course tea, biscuits and chat was involved. Here is what our volunteer says.
“Today we dug in some roof tiles, to stop wood our chip from falling onto the entrance pathway and to give our new flower bed some structure. It looks really good. I would not have been able to do any of this, without the support and enthusiasm of other fellow Growing Hollingdean volunteers. Being part of this great group gives me a great sense of community. We help each other out, we learn, we watch things grow, not to mention the benefit for the local environment, the joy from the neighbours and passers by.“
Leigh, Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardian
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Lucky Dip 23 will be at St Richards Church on 9 Beal Crescent, Hollingdean
Growing your own food in small spaces with help from our Growing Hollingdean volunteers
Ever wanted to grow your own salad and herbs, but don’t have the room?
Growing Hollingdean will have a ‘Grow Food in Small Spaces’ stall at the ‘Lucky Dip 23’ this year. Join us and plant up your FREE window pot with lovely fresh salads and herbs. We have the seedlings, the compost and the containers. Just bring yourself! No experience needed, all welcome, turn up and have some fun at St Richards.
There will also be stalls, plants, kids activities, open mike, music, dancing, crafts, make your own pond, tombola, a café and of course a lucky dip. Free entry!
Growing Hollingdean volunteers will be there to help you with ‘Grow your Own in Small Spaces’. We look forward to seeing you.
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
A Free Event for all, from 1.30pm to 4pm, Thompson Road, Hollingdean
Ever wanted to grow your own salad and herbs, but don’t have the room? Join us and plant up your FREE window pot with lovely fresh salads and herbs. We have the seedlings, the compost and the containers. Just bring yourself! No experience needed, all welcome, turn up and have some fun at Hollingdean Community Centre on Thursday 29th June 2023.
Growing Hollingdean volunteers will be there to help you and help answer any questions you may have about ‘Grow Your Own in Small Spaces’.
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
From 3pm to 5pm the Growing Hollingdean volunteers will be there!
Want to grow your own salad and herbs, but don’t have a garden? Join us and plant up your FREE window pot with lovely fresh salads and herbs. We have the seedlings, the compost and the containers. Just bring yourself and your neighbours! No experience needed, all welcome, just turn up and have some fun at Tavistock Down Community Garden. We look forward to meeting you.
Tavistock Down Community Garden, Growing Food in Small Spaces Free Event on Monday 26th June 2023
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
Our local volunteer Tree Guardians spent a couple of hours clearing weeds and grasses away from the base of some fruit and nut trees. Based near the community notice board on Horton Road on a this beautiful May Sunday morning.
A couple of the Cherry Plum trees required a little pruning today
Jenni talked us through the gardening process with some health and safety tips before we started. She also explains how, when and what to prune on this Cherry Plum tree. She also taught us the correct way to use the Growing Hollingdean secateurs.
First Sunday in May our Tree Guardians where on Horton Road gardening, this is one of the Cherry Plum trees in fruit
See our Growing Hollingdean tree map here to find all the tree’s we care for.
If you love being in nature, join us the first Sunday of the month for a spot of community gardening and chatter.
Join our volunteer Tree Guardians group next month
Join our volunteer Tree Guardians for a few hours on the first Sunday of the month. A small group of locals get together to weed, mulch and learn about the fruit and nut trees in Hollingdean.
Email to say you are coming or just turn up, we usually meet at the Hollingdean Park entrance community notice board. See you on the 2nd July 2023!
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Have you ever noticed the many fruit and nut trees around Hollingdean? They were planted by Brighton Permaculture Trust (BPT) and are now in the care of Growing Hollingdean by our Tree Guardian volunteers.
Growing Hollingdean volunteer Tree Guardians, May 2023
They were plant to increase biodiversity, food security, and to reduce carbon while capturing carbon.
Would you like to become a Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardian?
Our Tree Care Sessions run the first Sunday 10am-12noon every month. We meet outside Hollingdean Children’s Centre (Sure Start) on Brentwood Road. We will wait 10 minutes before going to our location.
One of our Growing Hollingdean volunteers will give everyone training and support. Our task is to care for the trees by clearing the weeds, mulching with woodchip, pruning dead branches and checking for damages and disease. See our Tree Map for all the trees in our area.
Please wear suitable clothing for the weather and bring a drink and a snack if needed. Equipment will be supplied (under 18’s must to be accompanied by a parent/guardian).
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Sunday 30th April 2023, 10am – 12pm @ Hollingdean Sure Start Centre
Come for a guided walk with us to explore the beauty of 250+ fruit and nut trees across Hollingdean. While the apple and cherry trees are in blossom. We will end in a orchard where we can talk with like minded people.
Growing Hollingdean Blossom Walk April 2023
Tickets are free on Everbrite
Click here for your free ticket. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing (under 18s need to be accompanied by an parent or guardian).
Everyone had a fun day, lots of bags of plants and big smiling faces
Growing Hollingdean AGM meeting and slide show April 2023
Thank you to Hollingdean Community Centre for having us and to our Growing Hollingdean volunteers. Our plant and seed swap (or donation) tables where very busy and successful. Polly our Growing Hollingdean volunteer for Grow Food in Small Spaces helped locals plant up 20 pots of herbs and salad and taken home for free. Lots of smiling faces all round.
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
Also know as Tavistock Down Community Garden is a volunteer run garden established in 2013, aiming to provide the mental health benefits of working in the garden, with the goal of creating a supportive community. They grow lots of perennial fruits such as gooseberries, currants and raspberries to name a few.
All gardening volunteers welcome
Volunteers of all abilities and backgrounds are welcome to help maintain the garden every 3rd Monday of the month between 3-5pm.
How to find Two Trees Community Garden
The gate entrance is accessible via south end of Tavistock Down, behind the play park, next to the turning to Thompson Road.
Tavistock Down Community Garden Hollingdean Brighton
Contact Mel Jarvis on 07543201670 or tdcommunitygarden@gmail.com to let her know you will be joining her and meet the locals.
Two tree community garden April 2023
Mel also volunteers with the Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardians. See our other Community gardens here.
This morning the Tree Guardians had the pleasure of installing several bee hotels and a new information sign in Hollingdean Community Orchard, behind the Sure Start Centre.
Beth Nicholls from Sussex Uni, Brighton
These were provided by Beth Nicholls from Sussex Uni with support from Brighton Permaculture Trust. After a cold start, it turned into a beautiful sunny morning and several bees came out to see what we were up to! The orchard is looking stunning as the blossom starts to come out – why not visit and have a picnic.
Tree Guardians helping out in the Hollingdean Orchard
Tree Guardians are a group of volunteers who get together once a month to care for the local fruit and nut trees.
University of Sussex pollination research, Hollingdean, Brighton
Please go to Hollingdean Park and see the orchard and it beautiful new sign.
We will be planting flowers, shrubs and sewing seeds
Join us for our next gardening event at St Richards Church, Beale Crescent, from 1.30 – 4.30pm The No dig and raised beds have been made – now we’re ready to do some planting! All welcome.
“Hi there, this post is from Polly, one of the founding members of the Growing Hollingdean Collective. I have lived in Hollingdean for since 2011 and love the community here. I am studying a Diploma in Permaculture Design and am very passionate about Community Gardens. As part of my diploma I have provided designs for The Old Green and Hollingdean Community Centre. I am now working with another local resident Hilary who has studied an RHS Level 2 in Horticulture towards a design for St Richards Church.“
St Richards Church Community Garden, Hollingdean and its volunteers
See our video our second workday in March. We look forward to seeing you next time.
Growing Hollingdean is looking for a knowledgeable and enthusiastic person to organise activities for more local people to enjoy being outdoors in nature; and learn about taking care of the trees, wildflowers, gardens and nature around Hollingdean (April- September 2023). If this sounds like you, please send details of your knowledge and experience and how you will carry out the work to Info@growinghollingdean.org.uk by March 24th 2023. We aim to agree a contract by 31st March 2023. You will also need to provide evidence of self-employed status. Details below.
Have you ever noticed the many fruit and nut trees around Hollingdean?
They were planted by Brighton Permaculture Trust (BPT) and are now in the care of Growing Hollingdean (GH) by our Tree Guardian volunteer. They were planted to increase biodiversity, food security, and to reduce carbon while capturing carbon.
Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardian Volunteers on a grey Sunday morning, March 2023
Would you like to become a Tree Guardian? Or come to our Tree care session?
We can give you training and support. The Tree Care Sessions run the first Sunday 10-12pm every month. Meet outside Hollingdean Children’s Centre (SureStart) and we will wait 10 minutes before moving to our location. Our tasks will be to mulched with woodchips, prune, check for damage and disease. Under 18’s need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please wear suitable clothing for the weather and bring a drink and a snack if needed.
Well done to those who joined us on a grey March Sunday morning
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Our Growing Hollingdean volunteers enjoyed a wonderful couple of hours in February 2023 at the triangle of grass near Mountfields bus stop. Ben Bennatt, a local ecologist, showed us the best way to cut and turn the grass over in a circle to plant seeds and plants.
Everyone was very proud of what they had achieved
Growing Hollingdean Volunteers creating Polka Dot Wildflower Beds. Planted in Hollingdean. February 2023.
Local neighbours joined us and helped with planting their own polka dot circle with seeds and plants. A Mountfield neighbour supplied water for the plants.
Thank you all your help, it was a great turn out and everyone enjoyed cake and treats at the end.
Wild Flowers are important in Hollingdean
Our small selection of wildflower plants and seeds will help bees, butterflies and other creatures to thrive. In turn, we can all enjoy beautiful flowers and better fruits and vegetable crops.
Supported and thanks to Brighton & Hove City Council and St Matthias Fund
See what Brighton & Hove Council are up too with our verges, click here.
These are some of the things we have been doing recently planting out some new pollinator plants bought with a Council grant! Volunteer Tree Guardians clear the weeds and rubbish from around the bottom of the local fruit and nut trees and then mulch with woodchip.
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
On Saturday 25th February, 10.30-13.00 there is chance to create a wildflower test area in Mountfield BN1 7BT, with Ben Bennatt, local ecologist.
Wildflower Verge Trial 2023
The aim is to create 10 small ‘polka dot’ beds across a triangle of land by turning the turf, sowing seed and planting plug plants. This summer we will be watching to see how effective this method is in the soil of our local verges.
Would you like to join in?
All you need to do is bring a spade and gloves and good weatherproof clothing for whatever the day promises. Also, a drink if you want one. Snacks and good company will be provided.
Email us on info@growinghollingdean.org.uk to let us know you are coming or for more information.
Join our volunteer Tree Guardians group next month
Join our volunteer Tree Guardians for a few hours on the first Sunday of the month. A small group of locals get together to weed, mulch and learn about the fruit and nut trees in Hollingdean.
Gloves and equipment will be supplied
We can give you training and support. The Tree Care Sessions run the first Sunday 10-12pm every month. Meet outside Hollingdean Children’s Centre (SureStart) and we will wait 10 minutes before moving to our location. Our tasks will be to mulched with woodchips, prune, check for damage and disease. Under 18’s need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please wear suitable clothing for the weather and bring a drink and a snack if needed.
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
A huge THANK YOU to the many locals who turned up to help create the two ‘No Dig’ veg and flower beds. General gardening, pruning, planting, chatter and fun was had by all for a few hours. St Richards Church is on Beale Crescent and our Growing Hollingdean volunteers also turned up to help on Saturday morning.
The volunteers also cleared the weeds and mulched around the existing fruit trees. This is phase one in the creation of a Food & Wildlife Community Garden. See our Facebook page for more photos.
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
The 3 flower beds are located at the end of Lynchet Close in the play area, Hollingdean, for everyone to enjoy.
Growing Hollingdean Lynchet Close Community Garden update in October 2022
Drought tolerant and low maintenance plants for everyone to enjoy
Lynchet Close Community Garden was created this spring and still going strong after the drought. It was designed with perennial plants making it low maintenance. It’s only has 3-4 gardening days a year. It also includes a sensory bed with many plants giving lots of interest for your senses.
We would love to add more plants in the future.
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
Thank you to our wonderful tree guardians at our Tree Care Session, braving the rain – true hero’s of the fruit trees!
Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardians on a damp Sunday in October 2022
Wonderful to see new and regular volunteers with big smiles
Today we cleaned the grass/weeds from under the trees to reduce competition and then mulched with wood chips/grass clippings to create a barrier from moisture and too keep the heat in the ground while it breaks down, putting the carbon back into the ground. We looked for disease and damage to the trees (under 18s will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian).
Tree Care Sessions run every first Sunday of the month 10am-12noon. We meet outside Sure Start Centre and we will wait for 10 mins for everyone to arrive.
Next session: 6th November 2022
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
The fruit trees across Hollingdean are looking amazing thanks to our Tree guardians volunteers which session run every first Sunday of the month meet at sure start centre 10am we will wait for 10 mins before leaving and the session ends at 12noon.
Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardians August 2022
In these session you will learn about how to care for fruit trees like how to prune, mulching, water and looking for damage/ disease.
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
Here in the first picture you can see the start of a sensory beds there’s couple of resident on the road with autistic and ADHD so we wanted to create a place where they can be calm with the different touch’s and smells. Like a selection on mint that include strawberry mint, chocolate mint, ginger mint, lemon mint and you classic mint. There’s cotton sage your classic sage with some grass for sight and touch.
The 3 beds are made form recycled plastic planks that are sage to use for food growing these where picked as they won’t much more expensive than wood choice it will last a longer time than wood and dose not need continuously be painted also this site gets strimmed and that would damage the wood where as the plastic states it’s strimmer proof.
The first raised bed is planted with autumn raspberry, chives and has nasturtium seeds planted these plants are companion planting.
The second bed is plated with perennial fruits like strawberries, currents, thyme, rhubarb and sorel.
The third bed is currently planted with annual vegs like tomato, lettuce and chard as the Perennial cabbage plants haven’t arrived yet.
The final product of Lynchet Close community garden
Growing Hollingdean volunteers build 3 sensory flower beds in Lynchet Close
This community garden has been designed for perennial plants and drought tolerant plants to keep it low maintenance.
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
The Hollingdean Community Centre garden on Thompson Road is looking for volunteers to get involved and help with weeding, watering and planting. For more info contact Polly on growinghollindean@gmail.com for times and dates.
Making our community centre beautiful for everyone
The Trustees and Centre Manager were keen to ‘make our community centre beautiful’ and asked us for help! We were successful in accessing Healthy Neighbourhood Funding and using a Permaculture Design Process (part of a diploma project) we have worked with the local community to install new raised beds in the back yard, hanging baskets and a No Dig bed in the front garden.
Please note anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Thank you to the people who came to todays tree care sessions who battled through the rain and wind. Tree care session run every first Sunday of each month.
Our volunteers mulching at Hollingdean Park
One of our Growing Hollingdean volunteers will give everyone training and support. Our task is to care for the trees by clearing the weeds, mulching with woodchip, pruning dead branches and checking for damages and disease. See our Tree Map for all the trees in our area.
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us at through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteerswho made this possible.
A group of volunteers from Lynchet Close Community Garden (3 Beds) planted a native hedge planted as a defence for rubbish being blown into the nearby woods.
They planted hawthorn, hazel, field maple, dog wood, dog rose and willow. We also planted a couple of sage plants at the base.
Have you ever noticed the many fruit and nut trees around Hollingdean? They were planted by Brighton Permaculture Trust (BPT) and are now in the care of Growing Hollingdean (GH) by our Tree Guardian volunteers.
Tree Guardians plant a new fruit tree January 2023
Join our small group of volunteers in Hollingdean
They were plant to increase biodiversity, food security, and to reduce carbon while capturing carbon.
Would you like to become a Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardian?
Our Tree Care Sessions run the first Sunday 10am-12noon every month. We meet outside Hollingdean Children’s Centre (Sure Start) on Brentwood Road. We will wait 10 minutes before going to our location.
A Growing Hollingdean volunteer will give everyone training and support. Our task is care for the trees by clearing the weeds, mulching with woodchip, pruning dead branches and checking for damages and disease.
Please wear suitable clothing for the weather and bring a drink and a snack if needed. Equipment will be supplied.
(Under 18’s must to be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
Growing Hollingdean volunteers have been busy the last two Fridays… with plants donated by Brighton Permaculture Trust and with help from members of Growing Hollingdean and the local community we’ve been planting nut trees, soft fruit bushes (some spikey!) and Eleagnus a nitrogen fixer around Brentwood Road, Two Trees Community garden on Tavistock Down, Merevale, The Crestway and Hollingdean Park, Dryads Community Orchard and a few last ones later this week on Horton Road.
These will provide food for the community in the future and improve biodiversity in our local eco systems as well as looking beautiful and soaking up carbon as they grow.
Volunteers planting new nut trees soft fruit bushes in March 2021
Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardians planting new trees in March 2021
If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!
Growing Hollingdean 