Hollingdean park forest garden – Growing Hollingdean

Join Forest Gardeners Sunday, 19th July 2026

14th Jul 2026

Forest Gardening July 2025 in Hollingdean Park

Hollingdean Park Orchard Forest Garden

Forest gardening is every 3rd Sunday of the month, from 10am to 12pm. Come along and help us grow food! Our friendly Growing Hollingdean volunteers will meet you at The Shed (on the corner of Brentwood Road and Lynchet Close) at 10am, where you’ll be able to borrow gloves and equipment.

See our our Forest Garden page for more information here.

Forest Gardening June 2026 in Hollingdean Park

What we did on 21st July 2026

Our mid-summer day’s session in the Forest Garden was an absolute sizzler. It was even too hot for home-made cake or taking photos! But we did manage to give everything a desperately needed water and a bit of a weed. Going slowly meant we took some time to look at what’s done well in the heat. Along the hedge line, the thyme is huge and beautifully flowery, maybe not surprising for a Mediterranean plant. We weren’t expecting the mint to be quite so luxuriant though, it seems to be very happy as well. It’s been lovely to see people hang out at our picnic bench of an evening and enjoy the space, by the way. The Forest Garden is there for everyone to use and care for. Enjoy.

If you would like to say ‘Thank You‘ to our Growing Hollingdean volunteers please add your review here. Thank you.

Join Hollingdean’s Forest Gardeners in 2026! Our first session this year

14th Jan 2026

Forest Gardening on the 3rd Sunday of the month

Sunday 18th January 10-12 at the Hollingdean Community Orchard, Hollingdean Park

Meet at 10am at our colourful shed on Lynchet Close or join us later in the Community Orchard. Bring suitable warm clothes. Tools will all be supplied. Children can join in with a responsible adult.

Our main community orchard is growing into a Forest Garden with multiple layers of food crops. This month we could be pruning the Apple and Pear trees, mulching with wood chip and weeding around some of the shrub and perennial plants. Something for everyone to do, whatever your experience and interest. And everyone is welcome. Come and join our friendly team for gardening, chat, hot tea and snacks.

Forest Gardening Volunteers December 2025

Thank you to Growing Hollindean volunteers who attended on 7th December 2025

We weeded and mulched some of the fruit trees, fruit bushes and perennials in the park, and also inspected the new water capture facility and volunteer’s benches. Big thanks to Stephan of the Permaculture Trust who built it for us- and for including comfy benches for volunteers and visitors to rest up- with a good view! This summer we should be able to keep the Forest Garden watered with rainwater captured during the winter months and top up the pond if it needs more water too. All goes towards good crops and happy pondlife.

Keep up with Growing Hollingdean

For all the latest news about Growing Hollingdean, including free events, activities and volunteering opportunities, sign up to our mailing list here or use the sign-up box below.

And a huge thank you to all our wonderful Growing Hollingdean volunteers who helped make this possible!

Help us replace a much-loved Community Bench in Hollingdean Park for 2026

23rd Dec 2025

Help us replace a much-loved Community Bench in Hollingdean Park December 2025

The Hollingdean Community Forest Garden, originally known as Hollingdean Orchard, was first planted in 2009 and has continued to grow and develop ever since. It is a much-loved green space used by local residents, families, and volunteers — a place to learn, relax, and connect with nature.

Donate to the New Hollingdean Community Forest Garden Bench

Go Fund Me!

Many years ago, a bench was kindly donated and placed in the forest garden. It became a well-used spot for people to rest, enjoy the space, and meet others. Sadly, this summer we experienced ongoing problems, including young trees being snapped, small fires being lit, and our much-loved bench being damaged beyond repair.

We are now raising funds to replace it with a recycled plastic bench in the same style, but far more durable and long-lasting. This type of bench is weather-resistant, vandal-resistant, and environmentally friendly — making it a much better fit for a community forest garden.

Every donation helps, no matter how small!

Your support will help us restore a welcoming, safe space for everyone to enjoy and protect this special community garden for the future. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference. Thank you for supporting Growing Hollingdean

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