Friends of Preston Park

Watch the development of our unique landscape and the wildlife found here in our digital photo exhibition: South Downs to Coastal Downs: our changing landscape. Talk to Rangers and officers about the project, natural history and wildlife of our area.

Kids’ Quiz and wildflower seeds to take away and plant in your gardens / window boxes, plus the opportunity to give your feedback on the project.

This is a free event.

Preston Park Men’s Bowls Pavilion, 21st February (during the half term), 10am to 2pm

The Rock Garden will be closed from Monday 7 January for 4 to 6 weeks.

This is to repair   a serious leak in the pond. Contractors will remove the lilies and rocks before emptying the pond, jet-washing it and repairing the leak. The pond will then be sealed, replanted and refilled.

What about the fish? You may have noticed a heron by the pond – see the previous posting – the lower water level may have made fishing in the pond more attractive! The fish will be removed from the pond and stored in large, polythene-lined skips. The species of fish include Koi carp, mirror carp, common carp, goldfish, golden orfe, blue orfe, roach, golden rudd, green tench, bream and perch.

Once the pond repair is complete, take a look at the life in the water there – it’s fascinating. There are frogs, toads, two types of newt as well as a variety of insects and birds that come to take advantage of the water.

Darren is a Preston Park Gardener. He’s been gardening in Preston Park for around 12 years.

What is it you enjoy about the work?
I enjoy working in the park – I like the variety of flower beds, different sorts of sports and the lovely trees. I think the park’s got everything. I like gardening. It’s satisfying to make something look nice and the praise I get from people in the park makes me feel good. I like working outdoors too, except when it’s freezing cold like today!

What would you say are your contributions to the park?
Well, one of the things I’m proud of is the annual border [that’s the border on the east side of the tennis courts, facing the children’s playground] – it’s now more of a mixed border. I’ve been trying to improve it over the last three years and have used a lot of my own stuff – my own seeds and plants I’ve acquired as well as some bulbs. I regard it as my own project really; it’s not finished yet though.

I helped to create the wildflower bank along the lime tree walk at the north of the park. The rains washed the seeds down so the flowers didn’t go right up the bank. I’ve prepared the area under the old hedge ready for sowing a mix of wildflowers which will look good in the spring/summer.

What do you think is the best thing about the park?
I think the dahlia walk [that’s the borders which line the path between the tennis courts] – in the spring and summer it looks amazing. And, at the beginning of the Autumn, if you’re by the clock tower looking back towards the Rotunda, the rusty autumn colours of the trees in the woodland walk looks fantastic. I love the variety of trees.

What are your ambitions for the park?
I’d like to see something more creative done with the unused bowling greens – perhaps combine two of them and put in wooden fitness apparatus.

Any personal message to readers?
Yes, would people please stop their dogs from pooing in the flower beds!!

The Rose Garden volunteer day has been rescheduled for Saturday 8 December at 10am – meet by the Rotunda. Let’s hope for better weather this time!

To inspire you during your bulb-planting, we’ve asked three brilliant local musicians to play for you, with sets at 11.30, 12.30 and 1.30.

Dylan Hodgson: A young rising star, Dylan’s singing and guitar playing demonstrates a fine developing talent. If you saw his performance at PrestFest in August here’s another chance to see him play.

Donna Fullman: Influences from the 60s and 70s sweep through her bittersweet authentically stunning songs – which embrace the unique vibes of folk, country and blues.

Antony Hodgson: Active on the Brighton music scene for more than 20 years, Antony Hodgson is finally venturing out as a solo artist. He has played guitar or fiddle in folk and americana outfits playing everything from barn dances to country punk. He has been part of Call To Arms, Bonanza, The Jamestown Union and The Righteous Ones. Antony’s real strength is his songwriting and it is this, coupled with carefully chosen covers, that he is showcasing now. His guitar style is influenced by the great English folk players, but Americana is clearly coming to the fore in his current performances.

A volunteer work group is being established for the Rose Garden in Preston Park, with the first session planned for 10.30am on Saturday 29^th September.

All tools will be provided, as well as tea and coffee. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. All children must be accompanied.

Emma Keane, Park Ranger, will be organising the new group. You can contact Emma on Emma.Keane@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

Some of you may have seen this feature on page 3 of this Tuesday’s Argus.