FoPP Events 2024

Please see the poster to find out when our next events are, and book on Eventbrite using the links below.

Cherry Blossom Tree Picnic, 24th March

Bird Walk, 31st March

Tree Trail Festival, 11-12 May and 18-19 May

Elm Tree Walk, 19 May

Wildlife Gardening Workshop, 30 May

Painting in the Park, 2nd June

Amphibian Workshop, 22 and 23 June

Rockery Walk, 18 July

General Tree Walk, 10 August

Walk with Alan Griffiths, 12 September

Bat Walk – to be confirmed

History Walk, 17 November

Wreathmaking, 7-8 December

Cherry Blossom Tree Picnic

Friends of Preston Park (FoPP) held their first Cherry Blossom Tree picnic this week to celebrate the blossoming of our avenue of cherry trees in Preston Park, as well as the arrival of improved weather so that we can all get out into the park and enjoy it more. Those who came brought along a picnic and an urge to recite a haiku or two, in poetical homage to the amazing festivals held in Japan to celebrate the blossoming of such trees. Traditionally, haikus have a 5,7,5 pattern of three phases and 17 phonetic units. This also includes a ‘kireji’ or “cutting word” and a ‘kigo’, a seasonal reference. Some came prepared and others tried, mostly successfully, to wing it. It was great fun for all. Each attendee went home with a small gift of a specially prepared wildflower seed pack, to plant in the coming weeks. We hope everyone will successfully produce some wonderful blooms. Please get down to the park if you haven’t recently and note the number of bees on these trees. It’s a very satisfying experience. 

Our next FoPP event will be next Sunday, 31 March. Simeon Elliott will be giving a walk around the park to find out what birds we have. Please sign up via our website on Eventbrite. 

Changing Places Toilet Block update

Work on the much anticipated (it was agreed 3 years ago) Changing Places Toilet Block in Preston Park, has started. The toilet will be situated at the back of the Rotunda Café and will provide better access for people with disabilities and accessibility concerns.

A new pathway is being laid, and unfortunately two Mulberry trees have had to be relocated. Hopefully they will survive, but the Council will replace them in the event they do not. The Brighton Permaculture Trust carefully removed them and relocated them to an area nearby. They will be monitored to ensure their survival. 

It has been noted that the toilet block is modular, and therefore cannot be modified beforehand, however, it was agreed that the needs of some of the city’s residents would be met with its inclusion in the park. At least one bee brick will also be incorporated within the external wall in line with building regulations to encourage biodiversity. We also hope to plant around the area.

Current work entails: 

Sectioning of the work area

Installation of Heras fencing

Preparing the groundwork for the foundation slab to be laid (machinery including diggers on site).

It is anticipated that the groundworks including pathways, foundation slab, and drainage works will last approximately 4 weeks. Works on the pre-fab building will commence once approval from planning on the external materials has been granted – this date is still yet to be finalised. It is envisaged that works are currently due to be completed by the end of June.

Spring in the Park

The Cherry Blossom Tree Picnic is our first event of the year, due to take place in the Park this Sunday 24th March. This event is closely followed by our Bird Walk with Simeon Elliot on Sunday 31st March, 8:30 to 10:30 am. Please register on Eventbrite for tickets and information.

Last month we lost a large elm tree north of the Coronation Garden. It succumbed to the ferocious wind and rain and fell onto three young elm trees, which sadly had to be felled.

The Coronation Garden daffodils planted two years ago are splendid and the magnolia is looking at its best. The beds at the entrance of the Walled Garden have been carefully cleared of bramble by our volunteers.

Our dedicated team of volunteers have been looking after the beds along the Preston Road and the Dalhia walk, which are planted with a variety of narcissi and daffodils.

The Rockery is looking impeccable as usual and these bright tulips add a vibrant touch of colour. Friends of Preston Park purchased a propagating bench with donations from Pride and we are growing our own plants for the Park.

The Rose Garden has benefitted from thirty tonnes of mulch, spread on the beds by volunteers and CityParks gardeners. Two lecterns have been erected to help you identify the roses in the different beds. You will notice new varieties supplied by the rose grower David Austin.

We have many events which may be of interest to you. Tickets are available on Eventbrite (free or £3).

FoPP events in March

Join us in March for 2 exciting events, available to book now on Eventbrite!

Cherry Blossom Tree Picnic – Sunday 24 March at 11.30 – 13.00
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cherry-blossom-tree-picnic-tickets-853001850497

Bird Walk with Simeon Elliot – Sunday 31 March at 8.30 – 10.30
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bird-walk-with-simeon-elliot-tickets-854454134317

For more details on the FoPP events planned for the rest of the year, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/friends-of-preston-park-66223813283

Preston Park Beryl BTN Bike Hub Consultation

The Council is engaging with residents and stakeholder groups on plans to relocate the Beryl BTN Bike hub in Preston Park north as part of changes in the area. These include the introduction of Red Routes on the A23 and the A23 Active Travel scheme.

More information, including how you can give feedback, can be found on the Council’s dedicated consultation page.

If you’d like to comment, please do so by Wednesday 20 March.

Sunday gardening session

We are sorry to announce that Sunday 4th February gardening session has been cancelled.

Please come and join our regular gardening sessions. They run from Tuesday to Thursday 10am-1pm. Meet our Head Gardener at the Rockery chalet at 10 am on these days.