Today Mayor Cllr Lizzie Dean planted two baby Japanese spindle trees, in celebration of 150 years of the Madeira Drive Green Wall.

The Mayor braved torrential rain to plant the trees, and also unveil a ‘Green Plaque’ awarded to the site by Brighton & Hove Building Green. In attendance was Portslade Green Gym representative Sue Stubbings, and Biodiversity Officer Kim Dawson.

The Mayor said:

“I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Madeira Drive Green Wall.

Thanks to Victorian visionaries including the Council surveyor Phillip Causton Lockwood, Brighton & Hove is home to not only the longest, oldest green wall in Europe – but also the longest continuous ironwork structure in the world, Madeira Terrace.

I would like to thank the volunteers from Brighton & Hove Building Green who have worked for years towards this achievement – as well as the volunteers from Portslade Green Gym and the local East Brighton community who regularly tend the plants here.”

The full speech follows.

Thanks to Victorian visionaries including the Council surveyor Phillip Causton Lockwood, Brighton & Hove is home to not only the longest, oldest green wall in Europe – but also the longest continuous ironwork structure in the world, Madeira Terrace.

The green wall was planted in 1872, and predates the Terrace. It was established along with hedges and other plants, to make the new seafront an attractive place to walk, take the sea air, and enjoy the views. 

Work is shortly to begin to restore and revive the Terrace, and these ambitions remain as relevant now as they did then. 

Brighton’s seafront is world famous, and attracts millions of visitors, and provides a vibrant space for local people and businesses. But it is hard to imagine what it would look like without this magnificent green wall.

There are over 100 types of flowering plants along the green wall, as well as birds such as goldfinches, wrens and sparrows, and butterflies like red admirals and holly blues. In recognition of its wildlife value, the Council has designated Madeira Drive Green Wall a Local Wildlife Site – the first of its kind in the country.

I would like to thank the volunteers from Brighton & Hove Building Green who have worked for years towards this achievement – as well as the volunteers from Portslade Green Gym and the local East Brighton community who regularly tend the plants here.

I would like to encourage more people to come and take in the nature that can be found on our seaside. It is a wonderful resource which can help us feel calmer and happier.

In time, the Council plans to restore the green wall to its original full length, and open the Terraces again for events and recreation.

As a small step in that plan, I am honoured to be planting this small Japanese spindle tree – a cutting from its 150 year old parents.

I look forward to watching it grow.

Mayor Cllr Lizzie Dean