Growing Hollingdean volunteers are a mixed bunch of locals – with different backgrounds, ages and experience with growing! We get together regularly to look after the fruit and nut trees in our green spaces, plant wildflowers for biodiversity, and help out with events to support people to grow food and flowers. Whilst some people are regulars, others come when they can, and as well as all the green things – it’s also about growing a community and looking out for each other.
“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.”
Says Leigh, June 2023
“I only started this year with the Tree Guardians and wanted to help do my little bit for our community. I love gardening, nature, biodiversity and being outside. The added bonus is I have made new friends that live near me and we all enjoy looking after our green spaces in Hollingdean!”
Says Sarahjane, July 2023
“I’ve loved helping out with the growing Hollingdean group, I’ve learnt so much from them and have a great time volunteering every chance I get!”
Says Charlie, 2023
“Hi, I thought I’d feedback on this. My mother-in-law took my son (11) to this today and she said it was absolutely fantastic, on both a child’s level and adult level! Giving free advice and she walked away with a pond liner kit. We are planning to build a small pond in our own garden. thank you so much for sharing”.
Says Michelle, October 2023
“Growing Hollingdean has created wonderful opportunities to connect with local people who are passionate about nature and community. Our volunteer sessions always give me a great feeling of satisfaction and my confidence in tree care has improved with regular practice. The community gardens and green spaces are creating food security for the future as well as improving our neighbourhood for humans and wildlife. I’ve met some amazing people.”
Says Polly, February 2024
“Growing Hollingdean is by far the best thing about living in Hollingdean. I’ve lived here for over a decade and have watched the community flourish. I think every neighbourhood should have a growing collective. It would make the world a better place. And added bonuses are the fitness, fresh air, great conversion and friendships, free fresh produce when in season, the improvement of the estate, the flowers for pollinators and people. Just over all brilliant.“
Says Mel, February 2024
“I have been volunteering for 3+ years with Growing Hollingdean and I have loved every moment of it! 🥰. It’s such a friendly group and positive action in our current climate.“
Says Jo-seph, March 2024
“Growing Hollingdeans volunteers are amazing people, looking after our 300+ fruit and nut trees in public spaces, five community gardens, building wildlife friendly spaces and putting on numerous friendly community events. They love growing things! Its inspiring to be part of it all.”
Says Claire, April 2024
“Lovely community gardening group who do lots to care for the local environment. Really welcoming as well!“
Says Emma, March 2025
Please leave your say in the comments box below. Thank you.
If you would like to say ‘Thank You’ to our Growing Hollingdean volunteers please add your review here. Thank you.
Come and join us for our next tree guardian volunteer session. Email us through our contact page here to let us know your coming.
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Growing Hollingdean 
I moved to Hollingdean a few months ago, and started coming along to Tree Guardians. Its has been a really lovely way to feel part of things – got to know the area, visiting the trees, and meet people in a really relaxed way! I’ve felt really welcome and it’s cheaper than the gym :)
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I’ve been coming pretty regularly since the Tree Guardians started. It’s a lovely friendly group and gradually I’m learning how to care for our local trees. I feel very proud when walking around Holllingdean to know that I’m helping to make it a more beautiful and healthy place to live.
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I only started this year with the Tree Guardians and wanted to help do my little bit for our community. I love gardening, nature, biodiversity and being outside. The added bonus is I have made new friends that live near me and we all enjoy looking after our green spaces in Hollingdean!”
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I joined Growing Hollingdean when I first moved into the local area and it has made an immense difference to my life living here. I feel part of a community of people that care about the natural world and want to make a difference. The work days are so much fun I always leave feeling better in myself. Highly recommended to come and take part in however you are able to! Tasks can always be adapted if you have any particular health issues.
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I’m so happy to be part of Growing Hollingdean. It’s a lovely friendly group, we work together to care for the trees.I’ve seen the area transform. Now, laden with trees. Ive lived here 27 years . Its great to walk around Hollingdean and see the trees thriving.
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i had a great time volunteering with the group – being part of a community and helping the local area is amazing and think that people should do it more often! i’ve learnt so much from joining and will carry on this knowledge for my own garden and work spaces:) 💗
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I love Growing Hollingdean, we do so many amazing things like looking after the fruit and nut trees in the estates in Hollingdean which provide food security. The group has a nice friendly atmosphere.
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