Brighton's first eco-park on its way

Brighton and Hove is to have its first eco-park.

Saunders Park, just off Lewes Road, Brighton, is to be given a make-over by the environmental charity Groundwork with the help of money from Marks & Spencer.

Groundwork plans to involve children from three local schools to help design a community garden to complement the new eco-park. 

Beth Chapman, development officer for Groundwork in Brighton, said: “This is a great opportunity to provide the communities surrounding Saunders Park with a unique new outdoor learning environment.

“We hope the new eco-park will be a big hit with local residents – both children and adults – and provide them with ideas on how they can all use open spaces to reduce the impact of climate change.”

The project is one of 15 being funded across the country by M&S.

It raised the money by charging customers 5p for food carrier bags. The aim was to encourage customers to re-use bags more often.

Richard Gillies, who works for M&S, said: “We are excited to be supporting the Saunders eco-park project in Brighton and our local employees at the Lewes and Western Road stores are looking forward to getting involved with the project.”

Groundwork is a national charity which aims to improve the quality of people’s lives and the places where they live, work and play. 

Its projects are intended to help people become practically involved in making decisions and managing improvements in their neighbourhood and to encourage them to make healthier and greener lifestyle choices.