On Sunday 1 October, a free community wildflower planting session will be held at Brangwyn Way in Patcham.
In addition to getting involved with planting, attendees will learn about native wildflowers and their pollinating insects from local biodiversity experts.
This event is being delivered as part of Buglife's Landscapes for Wild Pollinators project and the council’s Wilder Verges project.
Visit the Brighton & Hove Big Buglife Plant Out Eventbrite page to book your free spot. Please bring appropriate clothing, footwear, and gardening gloves.
Wilder Verges
Last year, we conducted a pilot implementing a no-mow approach on 23 verges throughout the city. The sites were kept uncut during the growing season from March to September 2022.
Through the Wilder Verges project, we observed a new pollinator or downland plant species on 70% of the sites. The pilot was funded by Natural England to explore how we can use verges to improve biodiversity and create bigger, better, and more joined-up habitats.
For more information about the pilot, please see our Wilder Verges webpage.
Boosting nature and wildlife
Councillor Tim Rowkins, Chair of the City Environment, South Downs and The Sea Committee, said:
“Brighton & Hove City Council declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2018, and since then we’ve been working to boost nature and wildlife throughout the city and The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere.
“The Brighton & Hove Big Buglife Plant Out will allow residents to get involved in these efforts while learning about native wildflowers and pollinators.
“We can create a more sustainable future for Brighton & Hove by restoring biodiversity and conserving and managing plant and animal habitats in appropriate locations around the city.”
Hands-on session
Cheyenne Plant, Sustainability Project Officer at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “We’re looking forward to delivering this hands-on community planting session at Brangwyn Way.
“This is an important opportunity to engage with local residents and show how often overlooked spaces like roadside verges can be a haven for wildlife and join up more formal green spaces across the city.”
Buglife
Buglife is part of the Changing Chalk partnership led by the National Trust and is supported by players of National Lottery Heritage Fund and Peoples Postcode Lottery.
The Brighton & Hove Big Buglife Plant Out is also supported by Hive19 in partnership with GreenTheUK.
Biodiversity in Brighton & Hove
Biodiversity is our planet’s life support system. Restoring nature underpins the health and wellbeing of people and wildlife in an era of climate change.
Discover how you can play your part in protecting biodiversity and open spaces.