Environment Centre Current Projects
Here are some of the Projects that we have been up to
Environmental Summer Fayre 2006
DSEP will be holding an Environmental Summer Fayre on Saturday 15 July, 2006 to celebrate the work that has been funded by Barclay's. We also hope that it will raise awareness of the centre, what we do and what you can do. The details of what is going on at this event are in discussions right now. We have talked about things such as serving hot and cold food and beverages, the possibilities of having a farmers market idea, fun and games for all the family and many other ideas. Jobs have been assigned to people and it all looks like it will be great fun. We have decided that this will be the official opening day for our new educational pond. However, there is still much to be decided, so if you're a pupil who wants to help out and be part of this exciting event, then come to the next Eco-committee meeting where there will be further discussions (15.30hrs, Tuesday 7 February 2006).
We would like to hear from any local environmental organisations who would be interested in setting up a stall or contributing some of their expertise. We would also like to ask for help from all parents, teachers, govenors willing to give their time.
Waterhall Mitigation
Waterhall is situated just north of the A27 between Dyke Rd and A23. It used to be Brighton’s rubbish dump. The covered and landscaped landfill site was given to the Rugby club when the A27 was built. Recently the club received a significant amount of money to construct a new all-weather pitch. As with all developments like this there has to be an environmental element to ensure planning is approved. This has opened up a variety of opportunities for us as a group.
In February/March of next year we hope to be involved in the first stage of tree planting around the site. The trees are to be supplied by Special Branch which is run by Chris Perry and based at Stanmer Organics. Chris has worked with DSEP for a number of years, providing the majority of the trees that we have planted in the School Nature Reserve. Chris and his team of volunteers collect seeds of native trees and shrubs from the local area working on the basis that the best plant stock is the local stock. We hope there will be a second stage of planting in 2007.
The other opportunity to arise from this is the development of an environmental education programme in and around Waterhall for Brighton and Hove’s primary school children. The land backs onto the South Downs and has a range of habitats. This course will operate in conjunction with the sports programme where students will be brought out to Waterhall for a day or half day to be involved in a variety of sporting activities and environmental education.
The school has had great success with the JSL course where students develop through the teaching and organising of sporting activities We are looking at a similar style course for Environmental Education allowing students to develop through leadership. If anyone is interested in coming along and planting some trees next year a date will be put on the website when it is finalised.
Butterfly Garden Plant Appeal
In the spring of 2006 we aim to plant up our butterfly garden. To do this we need plants that will attract insects. If you know of a supplier who could help or have yourself spare plants, we would be most grateful to recieve them. We would like plants like: Ice Plants; Michaelmas Daisies; Golden Rod; Honesty; Marjoram; Sweet William; Thyme; Thrift; Red Valerian; Verbena; Wall Flowers; Candytuff; Buddleia and Lavender.
Plants and bugs for our Pond.
We spent a lot of time thinking about whether we would allow plants and animals to colonise our pond naturally or whether we would stock it. Eventually we decided that because it's primary function was as an educational pond and not a conservation pond, we would stock it. So if you have a pond and you can spare us some of your plants or invertebrates, we would be pleased to receive them. Samples would be best transfered in the spring, in a disposable container.
