The Craft Behind the Beauty: Inside our Recent Work with Nicholas Dexter and Lewes District Council

Greening Newhaven: a Q&A

“If you create something beautiful, people will look after it.” – Nick Dexter 

Newhaven is changing. Once defined by its industrial character, the town is now embracing a greener, more vibrant identity. At the heart of this transformation are three planting schemes designed to bring beauty, biodiversity, and pride back into public spaces. We spoke with Guy McQueen, who leads the project, and Nick Dexter, the landscape designer behind the planting vision, to learn how it all came together—and what’s next. 

How did this project begin?

Guy McQueen: It was the start of Newhaven’s Wayfinding and Public Realm Improvement Scheme which is funded by UK Government. Newhaven is very industrial and lacked municipal planting, so we wanted to set a precedent for generous, attractive spaces.

Nick, what drew you into the project?

Nick Dexter: I’d worked locally and written about neglected spaces. The tender was an opportunity to bring biodiversity and beauty into town. If you create something people are proud of, they’ll look after it.

What was your design approach for the planting?

Nick: We had three key beds—T1 by the river (sunny), T3 near the car park (shaded), and T2, which was a messy site with an old hawthorn. My goal was impact, but public planting must last. So I combined evergreen structure with seasonal highlights—resilient, low-maintenance species suited to coastal conditions.

What challenges did you face?

Nick: A very dry summer, tricky watering access, and underground utilities. We adapted by replacing underperforming plants and reinforcing successful ones. Gardening evolves—you learn and adjust.

There’s an artistic element too, right?

Guy: Yes, a sculptural bench by local artist Christian Funnel at T1, with a QR code linking to river history. Details like this make spaces meaningful.

“We’re creating a sense of identity.” – Guy McQueen

What’s next for Newhaven?

Guy: By Christmas 2026, the town centre will have rain gardens, street trees like sea buckthorn, improved lighting, and shopfront upgrades. The goal is a vibrant, social hub—markets, art, food culture. These early planting schemes signal that change is happening.

Why does this matter?

Nick: Public planting isn’t just decoration—it’s a statement. It says, ‘We care.’ And that changes how people feel about where they live.