Brighton & Hove residents were given an insight into parks of old last week, when FoPP welcomed back former CityParks Operations Manager, Alan Griffiths. Now retired, Alan kindly came along to explain the many ways that Preston Park and other green spaces around the city were run, prior to becoming a unitary council. It was fascinating to hear about the many gardeners, trained by the council at its own facilities, used to be on hand in our various parks. Alan was also able to explain how many of the plants and trees, including roses, were grown at the council-run Stanmer nurseries and transplanted to the parks for seasonal display. Unfortunately, with the loss of these facilities, there is a lack of resources and trained gardeners to do this now. However, Alan was quick to point out that the Preston Park volunteers are doing a great job keeping things going alongside the remaining CityParks staff. He also noted that seasonal planting is no longer such a sustainable option in this day and age and changing weather patterns.
Another important job of former days for Alan and his fellow garderners, was to prepare the bowling greens, mowing them in the early morning in preparation for the busy day of bowls ahead. Straight lines were mowed, and the grass was cut to specifically short levels to keep the bowls moving. Now that the game has lost popularity, the old greens are finding new uses, and it is hoped that the flower meadow will return soon to delight residents as once before.
Alan also explained how the arboreal team work hard to check on all our trees within the park and elsewhere, making sure they are healthy and not posing a risk of injury whilst we enjoy basking in their shade.
Alongside our many elms, Preston Park has a great variety of tree species and Alan was keen to show us the very beautiful Acer Griseum that we have on within the triangle on the west side of the park just after the tennis courts. This paper-bark maple has an extraordinary colour and is worth checking out if you haven’t noticed it before.
Alan’s walks are great if you don’t know the history of the Brighton & Hove greens spaces too well, and he is keen to reminisce about his days learning the trade of expert gardener before he became a CityParks manager. We hope he will join us again next year, so if you missed it this time, don’t worry, there is always next year!
FoPP’s next walk will be with Sue Shepherd on 5 October. Sue will be giving us a history tour of the park so be prepared for a walk around. Although the park is fairly flat, please be aware that part of the walk will be across the grass so it may be a bit bumpy for wheelchair users.