CATEGORY WINNER
© Gardens Illustrated, Annaick Guitteny
© Gardens Illustrated, Annaick Guitteny
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ACCESSIBLE MEADOW GARDEN
EAST SUSSEX
This garden transformed an acre of postconstruction clay subsoil into a biodiverse, wildlife-friendly haven. Centred around a wheelchair-accessible courtyard, it features a perennial wildflower meadow, stacked habitat log piles, a seasonal rain garden, and a droughttolerant gravel garden with herbs. Sustainability guided every element, from using on-site materials to managing rainwater naturally. The result is a low-maintenance, climate-resilient landscape that enhances biodiversity while offering year-round beauty and accessibility.
Submitted by: Kristina Clode Garden Design. www.kristinaclodegardendesign.co.uk
Garden Designer: Kristina Clode.
Site Manager/Contractor: Sam Avard, details on request.
© Chris Bibb
© Chris Bibb
BEFORE
COCKSHUT RESTORATION PROJECT
LEWES BROOKS, KINGSTON ROAD, LEWES
Delivered by Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust, Lewes District Council and partners, the project restored a rare chalk stream and created 6ha of wetland in Lewes. Designed for climate resilience, biodiversity, and community engagement, it supports freshwater species and over-wintering birds, integrates low-carbon practices, and respects the local heritage and SSSI status. The scheme enhances carbon sequestration, reduces invasive species, and fosters long-term stewardship through volunteer engagement— establishing a sustainable, biodiverse landscape within the South Downs National Park.
Submitted by: Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust. www.oart.org.uk | Lewes District Council. www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk
Project Managers: Peter King, Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust | Chris Bibb, Lewes District Council.
Contractor: Ebsford Environmental. www.ebsford.co.uk
Other: Sam McArthur, CBEC Eco-Engineering. www.cbecoeng.co.uk
BEFORE
GARDEN FOR THE FUTURE
SHEFFIELD PARK, UCKFIELD TN22 3QX
A climate-resilient, accessible addition to the Grade I listed Sheffield Park and Garden, designed by RHS Chelsea award-winner Joe Perkins. Prioritising biodiversity, sustainability, and wellbeing, it features drought-tolerant planting in manufactured soils, permeable paths, reclaimed marine timber boardwalks, and locally sourced stone. Sensitive construction avoids root zones and protects veteran trees. The garden embodies innovation and legacy, offering a living experiment for adaptive planting across National Trust properties amid changing environmental conditions.
Submitted by: Joe Perkins Design. www.joeperkinsdesign.com | The National Trust. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Landscape Architect: Joe Perkins, Joe Perkins Design.
Site Manager: Pippa Reece, The National Trust.
Contractor: The Landscaping Consultants. www.thelandscapingconsultants.co.uk
Craftspeople: Oli Carter Adventurous Joinery. www.olicarter.co.uk
Other: Kelways Plants Ltd. www.kelways.co.uk | CED Stone. www.cedstone.co.uk | Bourne Amenity. www.bourneamenity.co.uk
HIGHLY COMMENDED
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BURLINGTON BOWER
DEVONSHIRE PARK, THE POINT, COLLEGE ROAD, EASTBOURNE BN21 4JJ
To mark Devonshire Park’s 150th anniversary, the Eastbourne Society led the reconstruction of a lost Victorian miniature temple, originally built in 1895 by plasterer James Hookham. With £100,000 in funding and historic drawings, an exact replica—now named the Burlington Bower—was completed in June 2024. Opened by Lord Burlington, it serves as a scenic venue for weddings, concerts, and exhibitions, celebrating the park’s rich heritage and community spirit.
Submitted by: The Eastbourne Society. www.eastbournesociety.co.uk
Architect/Designer/Project Officer/Site Manager: Richard Crook, Consultant Architect to John D Clarke Architects. www.jdcarchitects.co.uk
Contractors: EMS Ltd. www.emsltd-sussex.co.uk | Masoncast Ltd. www.masoncast.co.uk | T E Tilleys Stonemasons. www.stonemasonsbrighton.co.uk | Traditional Stone. www.traditionalstone.co.uk | Walco Electric. www.walcoelectric.co.uk
Other: Steve Harkness, HT Partnership. www.htpartnership.co.uk
BEFORE
WALLANDS COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL
GUNDREDA ROAD, LEWES BN7 1PU
The Wallands Primary School playground was transformed from a flat tarmac space into a vibrant rainscape that manages stormwater sustainably while enhancing play and learning. Featuring rain gardens, swales, permeable paving, and wildlife planting, the space increases biodiversity and educates pupils about water systems and climate resilience. Designed collaboratively with the school, the project offers inclusive access and seasonal interest. It captures and slowly releases 31.66m of rainwater, promoting SuDS adoption across the region as a climate response model.
Submitted by: Robert Bray Associates. www.robertbrayassociates.co.uk
Landscape Architects: Martin Hunter and Grace Ruddick, Robert Bray Associates.
Contractors: Rafal Szczechowicz and Filip Szczechowicz, Vu Gardens and Landscaping. www.vugarden.co.uk
Other: Susie Howells and Aimee Felus, The Aquifer Partnership. www.wearetap.org.uk