Digging deep in Brighton

Thank you to our green fingered volunteers for providing the finishing touches to the transformation at Temple House and Embankment House in Brighton.

Led by Pinnacle’s grounds maintenance teams, the project started earlier this year. We’ve worked with residents to transform a bare slope into a vibrant new garden.

We wanted to enhance the space, making it more attractive, while increasing biodiversity, improving drainage and helping to protect a footpath.

Native and pollinator-friendly plants were chosen to support local biodiversity. Trees on the site were protected during work, with minimal pruning out of nesting season and in line with wildlife protection guidelines.

The planting within the gabion terraces has created a natural, coastal-inspired landscape that’s both visually appealing and low maintenance.

The project also involved jet washing and removing graffiti from the stairs to further improve the appearance of the surrounding areas.

Neal Ackcral, Hyde’s Chief Operating Officer said: “The slope and surrounding areas didn’t look great and we wanted to make the space greener, more welcoming and easier to maintain. These improvements have not only made the space more attractive, but will increase biodiversity, improve drainage and protect the footpath.

“We’re so pleased with how this project has turned out. It was great to see so many volunteers pulling on their gardening gloves and putting the finishing touches to the transformation.”

Neil Fergus, Pinnacle’s Managing Director, Facilities Management, said: “This project shows how even overlooked spaces can be reimagined to create something that benefits both the community and the environment.

“We’re already receiving positive feedback from passers-by and I can’t wait to see it in full bloom.”

The local residents’ association said they were delighted with the results: “The planting is looking good and the team working on it did an amazing job. They’ve worked really hard, and continued doing so throughout the recent heatwaves. Please pass on our thanks.”

The planting is being fully funded through social value contributions, so there’ll be no cost to residents for the work. Improvements are also expected to help reduce the cost of ongoing maintenance.

A huge well done to everybody involved in bringing this project to life.