Sussex Butterfly Gardens

This May half term, One Garden Brighton will unveil an exciting new addition to One Garden Brighton with the opening of the Sussex Butterfly Gardens on Saturday 23rd May.

This project has been brought to life by a collaboration between Plumpton College and Matthew Simmonds, Founder of Sussex Butterfly Gardens, with support from Plumpton alumna and former Animal Management student, Beth Brockwell.

Following an ambitious restoration, the estate’s historic 1952 Palm House that is one of only three surviving structures of its kind, originally designed by Hartleys in a 1950s Victorian style has been transformed into a vibrant, ethically managed butterfly sanctuary.

Designed as both a visitor attraction and an educational facility, the climate-controlled gardens provide the perfect conditions to support hundreds of exotic butterflies, moths, and invertebrates, alongside the tropical plants they depend on. For Plumpton College students, the gardens will act as a ‘living classroom’, offering valuable hands-on experience in a professional setting, while visitors can enjoy a unique opportunity to learn about different climates, species, and horticultural environments. This partnership not only breathes new life into the Palm House but also creates a dynamic space for learning, discovery, and community engagement.