Friends of Preston Park

What is the connection between stinging nettles and elm trees? They are related as they both belong to the order of urticales. This is one of the many facts we learnt with Peter on another successful tree walk. It is estimated that there are around 30 000 elms doted around the city, in parks, on pavements and in private gardens. To fight the Dutch elm disease Brighton and Hove City Council are very involved in the mammoth task of preserving and conserving the trees and in collaboration with Plumpton College, are active in the propagation of saplings to ensure a good supply of replacement elms. There has been much data research on the city’s elms and it is now established that Brighton and Hove is home to a lovely collection of 135 species, some of them being unique specimens in the world. You can admire some of the most majestic elms of the city in Preston Park.

Ian Baird, the BHHC Outdoor Events Development Community Manager intends to hold meetings to explain his role and reassure residents if they have any concerns regarding events. To do this it is intended to hold a series of local consultation meetings centred around key event locations in the city. It is hoped that these groups will meet regularly to discuss upcoming events, share concerns and aspirations about the events programme and even suggest events for future seasons. The first of these meetings for Preston Park will take place between 18:00-20:00 on Thursday, 20th October 2022 at the St Peter’s Cricket Club near the velodrome and will be an open forum.

As the largest park in the city, Preston Park is used daily by a great number of people. As the ‘People’s Park’ it is used not only by those who live locally, but also by a great number of external visitors. It hosts many events and is home to several sports clubs. People of all ages use the facilities, including those who visit to admire the magnificent historical landscape.

Yet, what lets our park down are the appalling unsanitary, unclean, and embarrassing conditions of the toilet areas. Visitors are visibly shocked, and regular users are fed up and angry that they are not being listened to when they ask for something to be done. Often the toilets are shut as they are not safe and dirtier than usual. When this happens, the public often resort to using the park itself as a toilet!! This is a health hazard that needs to be addressed.

We are asking that funds are found to demolish and refurbish the toilet facilities. The renewal of these toilets will provide a much-needed asset to the city in terms of maintaining the essential sanitary conditions needed to keep the city safe and free from certain diseases. It will also demonstrate to the community that the council is listening to, and taking account of, its residents and their needs.

Please help us by signing this petition

We’re delighted to announce that work started on Thursday to restore the wildlife pond near St Peter’s Church at the North of the park. On Friday the concreting started:

Our third artistic event took part on Sunday 9th October. The glorious sunshine and pleasant temperature made it all the more enjoyable for all those who took part, who produced vibrant and cheerful pieces of work using a vast range of media.

We will resume our Painting in the Park events in Spring 2023, so keep an eye out for news on our Events page.

Friends of Preston Park will soon be putting up six starling nest boxes donated by Save our Starlings. Brighton Palace Pier murmuration is a delight for all those who witness the autumnal sky ballet, but this wonderful sight might soon be a thing of the past if we don’t act now to stop the number of birds diminishing. It is estimated that there has been a decline of 87% of starlings in the UK and Brighton over the past 30-40 years and they are now included on the red list of Birds of High Conservation Concern. You can support Save the Starlings by signing the online petition or by following the guidelines on how to make a starling-friendly garden, even having your own starling nest box.

On Sunday, November 6th at 11 am, Sue Shepherd will lead a walk around Preston Park, describing the colourful history of the park, supported by dozens of historic photos. The walk should last about 90 minutes. There will be plenty of opportunity for questions. Meet at the Rotunda at 11 am.

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL

Friends of Preston Park organised another successful tree walk in Preston Park. Tree expert, Peter Bourne was on hand to explain the various differences between the species of elm as well as other tree types. Those attending were amazed that not only does the park contain key species, i.e. the only one of a kind, but that some are also champions of their species, e.g. the oldest in the world. Peter was warmly applauded for his time and knowledge. Another walk has been scheduled for October 16th for all those who haven’t yet experienced the ‘Bourne – tree’ walk! Register here

On 11 October, Heal is organising an event at the Brighthelm Centre in central Brighton – ‘Rewilding: The Gathering’.

Heal’s mission is nature recovery, climate change action and well-being. They are working to create a new place for nature in every county in England.

Heal has Kate Bradbury, Jasmine Isa Qureshi and Penny Green as speakers. Standard tickets are £5 and they have a small number of tickets to support those with low or no income, including students.

Find out more and book