Brighton Permaculture Trust is excited to be starting on this community led tree planting project for 70 trees to be planted in the north of Brighton.
Following permissions from the land owner, Brighton & Hove City Council Housing Department, we have broken ground on the project by setting out the planting for 20 trees at the Bevendean site adding to an orchard planted at The Avenue in 2019. We are working with local communities and the landowner to plant the remaining trees at other sites across Bates Estate, Coldean and East Moulsecoomb this winter.
Where COVID-19 restrictions allow the tree planting will be done by organising community tree planting days over the coming months. Tree species will be chosen according to each location, but are likely to include fruit trees (crab apples, cherry plums) and walnut trees which do better on poor chalky soils.
Mowing regimes will be agreed with the City Parks team; areas around trees will be mown less often to allow wildflowers to grow, attract pollinators and protect the young trees. As part of the project Brighton Permaculture Trust is providing extra support with watering for the trees in the first 3 years. In recent years Brighton has experienced long periods of hot and dry weather but it is vital for young trees to be well watered in order to get established.
Ongoing community support is vital for these trees to thrive. Community groups will be taking part in watering, mulching, tree care, and eventually, harvesting the fruits!
The project is being mainly funded by Urban Tree Challenge Fund (partnership with Trees for Cities) and the Postcode Local Trust.