Biosphere Here
September 2015
Fruit-Full Fancies
Dear *|MMERGE5|*
Summer is officially at an end, and it's back to work and school for all. But don't despair! There's still plenty going on in the natural world about us (see 'Nature Now'), plus it's harvest time for the Fruits of the season - a time of great abundance!
Beyond the great opportunities for wild foraging in our Biosphere - think Blackberries along hedgerows and road verges - there's also of course the age-old favourite of the Apple, and the two go perfectly together in crumbles!
The incredible natural history of the humble Apple is unearthed in this month's Bio Blog (below right) by guest contributor Bryn Thomas of the Brighton Permaculture Trust, together with the amazing work they have done in recent years to bring back the many traditional apple varities of Sussex and establish new orchards (see 'WoW' section, below left) for the benefit of the public, as well as wildlife too.
During the last month our pioneering schemes to bring more nature to urban green spaces - putting nature at the heart of peoples' lives in our Biosphere - have attracted much media interest and positive acclaim: both for our 'Bee Bed' at The Level park and our new 'Butterfly Bank' in Brighthelm Gardens. Do visit these new wild spaces whilst they're still blooming wonderful!
Meanwhile we're busy planning a grand event at the Brighton Centre on Saturday 3rd October to showcase how people can 'green up' their own spaces: Big Nature in the Biosphere: A practical guide for all, to create new nature habitats - please get it in your diary. This will be followed by the PEA Awards - People, Environment, Achievement - a grand evening celebration that celebrates outstanding environmental action across the board. We hope to see some of our local eco-heroes recognised there!
Wishing you a fruit-full September,
Rich Howorth
Brighton & Lewes Downs Biosphere Partnership
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Bio Blog
All About Apples
Not so long ago, orchards of all kinds of fruit trees were a common sight in the fields and gardens of England. These orchards formed a valued part of everyday lives and livelihoods, but many have been lost in recent decades.
Orchards are part of the character of our Biosphere, provide important places for wildlife including pollinating insects, are places people can enjoy and can provide an abundance of fruit.
Now is the time to re-establish orchards as a living resource accessible to everyone! You too can plant one of these wonderful Sussex apple tree varieties in your garden, school grounds, community garden,… read full blog
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