Protecting The Environment

The 2023 State of Nature report indicates that, on current trends, one in six of all species in the UK is facing extinction, which in turn threatens our own well-being. Yet at the same time, the report provides evidence that targetted conservation can reverse the decline. With a host of members that specifically focus on protecting and enhancing the environment for the animals, wildlife and nature, our projects strive to aid this reversal.

“We have many more projects on our plate, however, the station will always have a special place in our hearts, given it was the birthplace of the Green Team and our efforts to re-green” Claude Paradis

Arundel
Train
Station

Stepping off the train and into nature...

January - March 2023: Local enthusiasts embarked on the mission to improve Arundel train station. Greening Arundel was formed and the recruitment began for The Green Team Volunteers.

April - September 2023: The Green Team devoted more than 500 volunteer hours to the project. Stubbs Copse Woodyard donated and delivered soil conditioner along with golden woodchips for the underpass. Another local business, Arundel Arboretum donated shrubs. Arundel Town Council provided a grant, which enabled the team to buy pollinator-friendly, native hedgerow plants for both of the 120 metre beds. Aldingbourne Trust was engaged to provide climate-sensitive weekly watering. In July, assistance came from students who spent their Community Day supporting Greening Arundel projects.

November 2023: Environment Agency’s Tidal Walls Project spent a team-building day at the station making a start on the forecourt area.

February 2024: Accumulated rubbish and biomass was cleared from behind the fence along the station path by Spruce Gardening and Tree Care. A biodegradable membrane was laid with wood chips once again provided by Stubbs Copse Woodyard.

March 2024: Network Rail arranged for a team from SNC Forestry Limited to carefully remove diseased and dangerous branches and trees. They also pruned for tree health and to allow more light, donating us the resulting woodchips and small logs.

April 2024 - June 2024: The forecourt transformation is really underway. With over 350 plants propagated at our allotment (from the 65 donated by the RHS from their Hampton Court Garden Festival 2023), the next step was to transport them to the forecourt and get them planted, using tools kindly donated by West Sussex County Council. A lovely picnic table was funded for by Govia Thameslink Railway and assembled by station staff. The table sits in the central woodchip area, which is nestled amongst the newly placed plants.

July 2024 - August 2024: 'No mow' signs and bug hotels have been installed along the pathway. A new planter with attached signage funded by Visit Arundel and additional signage provided by Arundel Agenda 21 has been placed near the platform exit to encourage people to use the pathway under the bridge. A series of sunflower mosaics created by local primary school children with the help of a few talented adults is being installed along the entrance to the station path. Each panel has been sponsored by a local business/organisation. Frances Knight has loaned a landscape painting of the Arun Valley to the train station waiting room and the South Downs National Park Authority will provide a new display to accompany it. We are developing plans for a sculpted bench in the forecourt.

September 2024 - November 2024: With thanks to funding from the Royal Horticultural Society and Govia Thameslink Railway, we have installed four solar lights along the Station pathway. With a hope to improve the public safety and encourage more use of the path under the bridge.

Case Study Document

Pollinator Garden

Brainchild of the Bee Project, the Pollinator Garden was designed by the Castle’s Head Gardener, Martin Duncan and planted by his team. Since then it has been tended on a weekly basis by members of the Green Team. In 2024, a wildflower strip was added and a large bug hotel installed. Locals and visitors alike enjoy this tranquil spot.

B-BOB

Bring Back Our Birds

A project to help reverse the declining bird populations in Arundel. Formerly a town of many birds, especially the visiting House Martins, Swfts and Swallows. The silence in the skies is striking. To counteract this and to help support these birds, B-BOB idea took flight in town.

A scoping exercise was conducted by Paul Stevens and the results were presented at Fauna Taproom. A plan was then put in place to encourage local residents to get involved and install bird boxes on their homes.

Currently, over 66 nests have been installed in 38 locations in 3 clusters, including at Arundel Town Hall. A House Martin Tower has been installed in Community Orchard with a speaker that tweets to welcome the birds home. In May, two training days on bird spotting, identification and reporting were also held.

Funds for this project were provided by RHS, South Downs Sustainable Communities Fund, Sussex Ornithological Society, Arundel Town Council and Fauna Brewery. Over £1,400 was raised through local donations.

“the [House Martin] tower will be a beacon, a landmark, a visible symbol of what Greening Arundel is achieving for the improvement of the town's environment and bio-diversity,” Nell Paton

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Upcycled Trough Planters

Former cattle troughs reflecting Arundel’s heritage as a market town. They have been sanded, treated and placed in various locations throughout the town. Local people are encouraged to use the herbs and edible flowers. Local insects are welcomed with attached bug hotels, made by The Aldingbourne Trust woodwork team.

18 TROUGHS

were donated by The Norfolk Estate. Six were installed in 2023 and planted with herbs and edible flowers. Later that same year, volunteers from the Environment Agency prepared the remainder for planting. An additional five were installed this year by Balfour Beatty on behalf of West Sussex County Council. They also provided soil, while herbs, heathers and hellebores were supplied by Greenwood Plants. All free-of-charge.

FUNDING

provided by Arundel Town Council and through The Bee Proejct.

COMMUNITY WATERING

has been successful. Neighbouring organisations and residents, volunteer their time to ensure troughs are kept well watered.

NEXT STEPS

Plans are under development to install the remaining troughs in other locations around town.

“I joined the Green Team to be involved in its exciting plans for our community. I take pride in our Pollinators Garden and the troughs the team have placed around town,” Jody Stevens

Quayside & Memorial Beds

Designed to be long lasting, diverse, wildlife friendly and beautiful. Seen by local people and visitors alike, they are centre stage as you stroll through Arundel town. These plants have many admirers and have been improved to be multipurpose. These beds help to enhance the overall experience of the town, whilst also providing herbs, wildlife habitats and bio-diversity.

FUNDED BY ARUNDEL DISTRICT COUNCIL

WATERING BY THE COMMUNITY

FROM BEDDING PLANTS TO PERENNIALS

LONGEVITY-FOCUSED DESIGN

Hedgehog Haven

A project to help increase the hedgehog population in the local area and educate people on how to assist with helping our spikey friends.

A Hedgehog Haven event was held in January 2024 at The Arundel Museum, which attracted 50 attendees with speakers including Alex Foster from Brent Lodge Wildlife Trust and local vet, Lisa Daniels.

The Hedgehog Club was launched by Arundel Agenda 21 in March 2024. This club meets on a regular basis to share, educate and encourage people to make their gardens more hedghog friendly.