Nature lovers are once again able to exploring the popular and picturesque rock garden opposite Preston Park which officially re-opened last week.
The rock garden (also known as The Rookery) and pond have been restored in a joint project between Brighton & Hove City Council and The Friends of Preston Park, with additional help from volunteers from the probation Service Community Payback Scheme.
With its twisting walkways, pond, stream and cascade, the Rockery is the largest municipal rock garden in the country and the most bio-diverse garden in the city, and is well-loved by city residents.
Work centered on repairing a major leak in the pond which involved moving 150 tonnes of silt and many tonnes of rock. The pond frontage has also been cleared so that both pond and cascade can be enjoyed from the road and the main park.
New marginal planting areas have been built around some edges of the pond and filled with bog-loving plants. Also, special bays have been built on the pond bottom and have been planted with different coloured water lilies.
When the waterfall was switched back on, hundreds of tadpoles and other pond wildlife were safely washed into the pond, courtesy of blue plastic sheeting which ensured a smooth ride! Fish that were removed at the start of the project have been introduced back to the pond in stages.
Bird lovers will also be delighted with the new bird hide created at the top of the garden.
Councillor Pete West, chair of the council’s environment committee said:
“This has been a fantastic community effort and I’d like to congratulate everyone who has played a part in restoring this wonderful and well loved rock garden.
“Not only will the garden look stunning throughout the seasons, is will also provide a valuable habitat for a range of wildlife with its renovated pond and plants ranging from water forget-me-not and marsh marigold to 5 varieties of iris, water hawthorn and even ‘American skunk cabbages!”
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