We’re always looking for ways that we can enhance our green spaces and build biodiversity. As set out in our Biodiversity Pathway, we aim to create and enhance habitats to support keystone flora and fauna by 2030
We spoke to Resident Sustainability Champion, Graham Ellis, on how he has supported the movement in his own community…
“Tilling Green Estate was buzzing with action for two days in late January. A big blue van and Rye’s own Community Compost van were spotted dropping off bags, posts, tools and most importantly trees at selected bare grassy areas. Residents realised that after months of preparation the day had finally come.
The weather wasn’t on our side; however, we carried on. Braving the rain and cold, ably led by Stephan Gehrels from Brighton Permaculture Trust, seven local volunteers planted a variety of twenty fruit trees around the estate.
Digging through heavy clay, pounding posts, dragging bags loaded with compost and wood chips, setting up two tree security systems – our team soon realised this was not ‘playing in the mud’ but a project with a mission, a tough mission, but a worthy one.
Dan and Donna from the Tilling Green Residents Association fuelled us with teas, coffees, biscuits and cake at the Community Centre daily which helped as we struggled through the miserable weather and succeeded. The twenty trees in the Tiling Green orchard include select varieties of apples, pears, plums, gages, mulberry and walnuts.
The project was paid for by grants obtained by Brighton Permaculture Trust. A huge thank you to those who contributed, including the Bernard Neville Trust.
It’s been amazing to see the trees thrive throughout the year. They’ll provide food, shade and ambiance for Tilling Green residents for decades to come, each tree representing one further step to reducing climate change impacts.”
Would you like to become a Southern Housing Sustainability Champion?
Get in touch with Jo Butterfield, Sustainability Engagement Lead: jo.butterfield@southernhousing.org.uk
Want to help Tilling Green continue to thrive? Join in their family fun festival, celebrating connection, creativity and community pride.
£2 per adult, children and residents of Tilling Green go free. Find out more: jo.butterfield@southernhousing.org.uk
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