Sussex Butterfly Gardens at One Garden Brighton
This May, a quietly magical new experience unfolds within the grounds of One Garden Brighton, as the Sussex Butterfly Gardens open their doors and invite visitors into a world of colour, movement and gentle transformation.
Sussex is set to be all of a flutter this May half term as a stunning new attraction opens its doors at One Garden Brighton. From Sat 23 May at 10:00, visitors are invited to step inside the newly unveiled Sussex Butterfly Gardens, a vibrant tropical sanctuary nestled within the historic Palm House in Stanmer Park.
Originally built in 1952 and designed by Hartleys in a Victorian style, the Palm House is one of only three surviving structures of its kind. Now, following an ambitious restoration, it has been reimagined as an ethically managed butterfly habitat, breathing new life into the space while preserving its heritage charm.
The project is the vision of Matthew Simmonds, founder of Sussex Butterfly Gardens, in collaboration with One Garden Brighton and Plumpton College. Working alongside former Plumpton student Beth Brockwell, the team has transformed the glasshouse into an immersive environment teeming with life.
Inside, guests can expect a fully climate-controlled ecosystem designed to support hundreds of exotic butterflies, moths and invertebrates. Warm temperatures and carefully maintained humidity levels allow both the insects and lush tropical plants to thrive, creating an experience that feels worlds away from the South Downs.
But this isn’t just a feast for the senses, it’s also a place of learning. For students at Plumpton College, the gardens will act as a living classroom, offering invaluable hands-on experience in animal management, conservation and horticulture. Visitors, too, can deepen their understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems and the delicate balance required to sustain them.
Matthew Simmonds describes the project as a true collaboration, combining education, conservation and visitor experience in one unique space. That sense of partnership is echoed by Plumpton College Principal Jeremy Kerswell, who highlights the importance of connecting students with real-world opportunities while welcoming the wider community into the fold.
www.onegardenbrighton.com | Stanmer Park, Lewes Rd, Brighton BN1 9SE
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