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New shoots

A note from our Treasurer…

“On Saturday 23rd November I took 60 cuttings from the Japanese Spindle on Madeira Drive – the green wall.  I took the cuttings from along the green wall, from the end of the arches and up Duke’s Mound.   I took from the new growth, the lighter greener leaves.  With the help and expertise of family (Mom) 60 cuttings are now planted and will hopefully grow inside over winter.  Like the other cuttings James has nurtured and that are now planted in, these will I hope eventually add to the green wall, filling it out and helping it to grow the whole way along.

Japanese spindle cuttings in glasses on table

The cuttings are varied in length, and taken from different parts of the green wall, to see if some take better than others.  Each of the stems has been cut at an angle, soaked in water overnight and dipped in organic rooting gel, and planted into deep compost pots.  The top of the soil has been covered in course grit to keep moisture in and help keep the soil compacted.  They are all inside a light conservatory that’s insulated and that is heated.  I’ll let you know how they get on and hopefully we can plant them in next year sometime.”

Joss

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Madeira Drive work days – new dates

Portslade Green Gym volunteers will be down on Madeira Drive, looking after our famous ‘green wall’ on the following dates. Why not come along and say hi, and get yer fingers dirty with some good honest work cutting back weeds…and looking after our new Japanese Spindle cuttings!

  • 3 October 2019
  • 7 November 2019
  • 5 March 2020
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Madeira Drive environment – representing your views

Today is the first meeting of the stakeholder forum for the Madeira Terraces regeneration.

Building Green is a member of the forum, and represents the views of the natural environment sector, along with colleagues from the built environment.

If you have any general comments to make, please add them to the comments on this post, or email them by 6pm today.

We will keep you posted on the discussions and further opportunities to have your say.

For our ‘three point plan’ on the Madeira Drive environment, click here.

IMG_2493

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Does your green roof need reviving?

Everyone wants to save money and do things as cheaply as possible when it comes to our houses, and green roofs are no exception.

Unfortunately, corners are often cut during the design and build and that roof which looks lovely and healthy on the day of installation can quickly deteriorate. In fact, the vast majority of green roofs we see are in poor condition, and won’t be delivering the kind of benefits that the owners would like… whether that is a great place for nature, energy bill savings, managing floodwater, or just looking healthy and green.

Green Roof Revival is a company set up to bring roofs like this into top condition. This week Building Green accompanied Lee Evans, director of Green Roof Revival, on a site visit to 2 roofs in Chichester. This is what we saw.

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Do you want to help run Building Green?

Building Green needs you.

 

** Change of Date **

New volunteers are welcome to help run Brighton & Hove Building Green. No particular skills required – just an enthusiasm for making our city and greener and more pleasant place…and a willingness to get stuck in!

  • green wall maintenance
  • green roof mapping
  • community engagement and events
  • social media
  • web development
  • representing the environment in city forums

We will be meeting at the Earth & Stars on 23 July, at 530-730pm. Come and say hi and find out more!

Any questions, or to let us know you’re coming, drop us a line hello@building-green.org.uk

green wall, volunteers building green, spades and forks, Brighton UK

Building Green volunteers restoring the oldest, longest green wall in the UK in Brighton