Friends of Preston Park

Gardening volunteers from various city friends groups spent a day out at Wakehurst this week. The day was organised by Wakehurst with activities laid on and opportunities for the group to explore the wonderful gardens. Volunteers had the best time and it was such a bonus to have lovely weather to enjoy forest bathing, mindfulness walking, and strolling around the grounds in the spring sunshine taking in the magnificent rhododendrons in full bloom whilst listening to birdsong.

The visit to the millennial seed bank was also really special and informative. The food at the stables restaurant was superb as were the cakes at the visitor centre cafe. In all a marvellous opportunity for all our lovely volunteers to have a day out together in nature.

Thank you once again to Wakehurst for this opportunity.The free days at Wakehurst continue tomorrow 25th April and Saturday 3rd May. Open to anyone.

Friends of Preston Park (FoPP) joined in with the festivities to celebrate the reopening of Preston Manor to the general public after a closure of 5 years. Whilst the house was open to for paid viewing, local councillors and Siân Berry MP for Brighton Pavilion, were invited to a special reception and guided tour. This included an exceptional display of an eighteenth-century clock that was stolen from the manor in 2001, but was discovered last year at an auction and returned to the manor. As part of the display the clock was wound up and painted sailing ships could be seen sailing across the front of the clock as it chimed. If you haven’t yet been to the manor house, it really is the time now for a visit.

Outside in the grounds was just as magical. There were many gazebos set up to deliver free fun activities for the many children who came along with their parents. There really were toddlers toddling everywhere! Old fashioned games were being played across the lawn as well as crafts, hunt the easter egg and much more! Staff were dressed in Edwardian costume and there was live but subtle music played. Café Rust has now opened a new café in the manor, and it must be doing something right as it sold out of food! A new staircase at the back of the manor has been built so that customers can access the café from the back of the manor.

Over in the FoPP tent, we were entertaining with a mix of colouring a fun fact booklet, potting a sunflower seedling and a small array of plants for sale. We were of course also trying to get some new members onboard as well some new gardening volunteers. Anyone interested should contact us via the website.

Additionally, we too have a few entertaining events on in the park this year. Please access these through the website where you will also be able to sign up to attend

Our upcoming Bat Walk has officially SOLD OUT! Thank you to everyone who booked – it’s going to be a fantastic evening. If you missed out, don’t worry we have more exciting events on the way!

Be sure to book early, as spots fill up fast.All events take place right here in beautiful Preston Park-stay tuned for what’s next!

The Friends of Preston Park (FoPP) had fun this week taking part in the Brighton Miles event set up in Preston Park as part of the Brighton Marathon weekend. Amongst the stalls to entertain the many children taking part, the FoPP had a stall encouraging younger participants to come and plant a sunflower seedling. The stall was very popular, and we took advantage of the presence of their attendant guardians to advertise what the FoPP does, encourage further free membership and to whip up anyone interested in joining our ever growing team of volunteer gardeners.. Further to this we made a small amount selling plants.

If you are interested in joining the FoPP or seeing what we are up to, please look us up on our website: www.friendsofprestonpark.org

We also have our events page where you can sign up and pay if you wish to attend. All money made or donated is used for the benefit of the park and park users.
Coming up on Saturday, 12th April is the Easter at Preston Manor event. FoPP will also have a stall at this event which is aimed at encouraging people to come along and sample the delights of the manor house after its long closure to the general public. There will be lots of free activities for children to enjoy.

Stanford and Cleveland Garden are having a stall at Methodist Church Fair Saturday 29 March 10:30 till 2:00 selling some plants, cushions, bags, tool belts etc. to raise funds for the garden. Please come if you can.

Notice is hereby given that Brighton & Hove City Council will on the 07 April 2025 under Section 35C of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (“The 1984 Act”), change parking
charges in City Parks including Preston Park