Brighton’s green wall is trimmed for the Madeira Terrace restoration
Parts of the longest and oldest green wall in Europe will be ‘severely trimmed’ ahead of the restoration work on the Madeira Terrace.
The cut comes after a recent investigation revealed that the wall behind the terrace needed strengthening.
Brighton and Hove City Council said the Japanese spindle works will be protected during construction where possible.
Workers will prepare the Madeira Terrace this year before restoration work is due to take place next autumn.
A spokesman for the council said: “The euonymus spindles will be protected during the construction phase where possible, and other plants will be removed and colonized to allow for later replanting.
“Cassettes with a special biodiverse plant mixture are then installed on the wall. This will support the development of a new ecosystem beneath the patio without long-term adverse effects on the back wall.
“Contractors will begin cleaning up the site this year and begin preparations for restoration work beginning on site in fall 2023. This includes some severe pruning of the spindle to protect it while the work is taking place around it.”
“Recent research has shown that the wall behind the terrace needs to be strengthened in order to continue to perform its role of protecting the cliff behind from erosion. Our challenge is to stabilize and support the Wall and Terrace while protecting the Green Wall wherever we can and replanting in a sustainable manner.
“The remaining areas between the spindle plants will host an entirely new ecosystem with both original and new plants. It will thrive with invertebrates and will cool and ventilate the space just as much as the current wall.”
The council apologized in April last year after chopping off part of the green wall.
It said it should have had only “minimal editing”.
The council was also reported to Sussex Police for an alleged wildlife crime following the clipping.
The council said the green wall section has seen significant regrowth thanks to volunteers and council officials.
On November 2nd, planning permission was granted for the restoration of the Madeira Terrace.
40 of the 151 listed arches will be restored.
https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/23151523.brightons-green-wall-pruned-madeira-terrace-restoration/?ref=rss Brighton’s green wall is trimmed for the Madeira Terrace restoration
