Council invites views on Carpet Gardens planting in new survey

Residents, visitors and businesses are being invited to have their say in a new survey about planting styles at the Carpet Gardens.

The independent survey, launched today will run until Sunday, August 31.

In summer 2025, a new sustainable style of planting was introduced within the Carpet Gardens as a one‑year showcase. This was designed to create an attractive, year‑round display, and to better withstand the increasingly wet, hot and dry conditions experienced on the seafront, while also supporting wildlife.

Alongside the new planting, one section of the Carpet Gardens has remained in the traditional summer bedding style, allowing people to compare the two approaches side by side. The traditional scheme has been in place for many years, delivering displays in spring and summer but requiring plants to be replaced twice a year, at significant cost and with no real benefits for biodiversity.

Councillor Jim Murray, Cabinet Member for Carbon Neutral 2030, said: “The Carpet Gardens are one of Eastbourne’s most well‑loved spaces, and we know people feel strongly about how they should look. This survey is an important opportunity for residents, visitors and local businesses to tell us what they think, having seen both styles of planting on display, and now the sustainable planting has started to bed in.”

The sustainable planting uses longer‑lasting, pollinator‑friendly plants that are better suited to coastal conditions and provide nectar for insects and food for birds. As the plants mature, the gardens are expected to offer changing colour and interest across the seasons.

The survey, which has been created in collaboration with members of the community and will be run independently from the council, will give people the opportunity to share their views before any decisions are made about the long‑term future of the Carpet Gardens.

Councillor Murray added: “The sustainable planting is designed to be more resilient, better for wildlife and more appropriate for the changing climate, but we fully recognise the affection many people have for the traditional bedding displays. The views we receive through this survey will help determine what happens next, so I would really encourage people to take part.”

The short survey can also be completed on paper. Copies are available from the Seafront Office beside the Bandstand, Eastbourne Borough Council offices at 1 Grove Road, and Qualisea Fish Restaurant on Terminus Road.

For more information and frequently asked questions including a cost comparison of the two styles, visit: www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/carpet-gardens