Sadly it is the end of an era. Portslade Green Gym – the wonderful group of volunteers who have been managing Madeira Drive Green Wall for us for so many years, has closed.
It is very hard to maintain a voluntary group these days. The Green Gymers haven’t been getting any younger – and have found it hard to recruit new members.
Such a shame, given how important social contact and exercise is for older people – and how much they have contributed to the Maderia Drive and other sites across Brighton & Hove. They have visited once or twice a year since 2016 – a decade of hard work to keep down troublesome plants, nurture the baby spindle trees planted by us, and litter pick.
Here they are on film in 2022 for LatestTV.
Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who have helped over the years. You shall be missed.
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.
Unfortunately green wall maintenance has been stopped again, as Covid-19 restrictions continue.
The council don’t allow volunteers over 70 years old to work at present, and of course as of today not in groups over 6. Our mighty Green Gym guys and gals fail on both counts…we hope they are keeping active and connected to each other in other ways.
It’s a tough decision. Parts of the green wall are now growing onto the pavement, so Building Green has asked the council to organise some cutting back.
We look forward to restrictions lifting and work starting up again as soon as possible.
Those intrepid volunteers from Green Gym are going to be back in action this month, caring for the precious planting along Duke’s Mound.
Part of the Maderia Drive Green Wall, they cut back red valerian, ivy and other plants which can crowd out more sensitive vegetation, and generally do a sterling job of making the area look great. They have fun whilst they do it too!
Thursday 17 September, 10am, Duke’s Mound
They will take all necessary Covid-19 precautions as they do it, alongside their usual attention to health, safety and wellbeing.
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!
The time has come to plant some new Japanese spindle at Madeira Drive green wall!
We need people to come and help on Sunday 12 May at 11am, Duke’s Mound(click for a map).
We will be planting these cuttings to fill in gaps in the green wall that runs up the hill from the eastern end of Madeira Terrace opposite Banjo groyne.
Japanese spindle cuttings ready to be planted
No special skills required,. Bring spades, forks and gloves if you can – if not just bring a smile! Feel free to contact us to let us know if you are coming.
This is part of achieving Building Green’s vision for a fully restored green wall, thriving in wildlife, and a major contribution to the beauty of the seafront. The oldest, longest green wall in the UK.
Approximately 100 years separates these photos, showing Madeira Drive, the Volks railway, Kemp Town and the Madeira Drive green wall
Great news! All the old Japanese spindle that Building Green and the council moved from Concorde 2 to their new home on Madeira Drive green wall are showing signs of growth!
Later this spring volunteers from Building Green will be planting even more as part of the long term project to restore the longest, oldest green wall in the country.
Brighton & Hove Building Green 