Growers from Moulsecoomb Forest Garden have been working with artist Becky Warnock to create ‘When the Seeds Fall’ – two exciting new photography exhibitions.
The exhibitions can be seen at Moulsecoomb Railway Station Footbridge and on Brighton seafront from 8 October.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary year, the garden was founded by a group of friends who took over a derelict strip of council land.
It has grown to become an important green urban space, connecting people with gardening, food, and nature, with inclusivity and diversity at its heart.
The project was commissioned by photography charity Photo Fringe and has received support from the council’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
Over the summer, artist Becky Warnock worked with volunteers and local school children exploring what makes the garden such a special place.
“This garden is a precious space where people come together and are accepted and cherished as individuals”, said Becky.
“The project has encouraged me to think about the connection between collective wellbeing and nature.
"It’s rooted in the understanding that mental health, like physical health, fluctuates continuously and requires upkeep, just like a garden needs care and nurture.”
Councillor Leslie Pumm, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities and Human Rights, said: “Over the past 30 years the Moulsecoomb Forest Garden has supported hundreds of local people, connecting them with gardening, food and nature.
“I’m delighted that, through our Shared Prosperity Fund, we have been able to support this exciting photography exhibition and showcase the wonderful work of this important community project.”
Offering horticulture and woodland skills, cooking, plus education and social opportunities to everyone, Moulsecoomb Forest Garden engages young people from within and outside mainstream education, with outdoor activities and therapeutic support, eco-therapy and outdoor lessons complementing the school curriculum.
The project offers particular support to young people with learning difficulties such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia and ADHD.
The exhibitions will form part of the eleventh biennial Photo Fringe festival that will see around 100 photography shows across Brighton & Hove, Sussex and for the first time, Portsmouth.
Photo Fringe Festival Director, Claire Wearn said: “The theme for our upcoming festival is “Common Ground” and this project chimes so perfectly with it.
“Finding common ground is a starting point for positive change and just like photography, it can bridge divides, challenge stereotypes and create space for collaboration and connection.”
Warren Carter, Project Manager at Moulsecoomb Forest Garden said: “This project has been a joy for us to work on and we’re delighted the exhibitions will connect so many people with what we do and hopefully inspire others to get outdoors and close up with nature.”
This project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and part-funded by the UK government and Brighton & Hove City Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, East Brighton Trust and Chalk Cliff Trust, with support from Network Rail, Southern Rail and SAS Graphics.
The full Photo Fringe festival programme will launch from 1 October.
