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Yew Hedge Cutting in the Royal Pavilion Garden

You may have noticed the Garden team hard at work with a chainsaw last week.

They have taken full advantage of the brief favourable weather to cut back the Yew hedge near Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. It has taken three days to complete the work. But it was good timing to make the most of the February sun, as any tree or hedge cutting must be carried out before bird nesting season begins in March.

Yew hedge cutting in the Garden. Two members of the Garden team are trimming the hedge. One has protective clothing, hat and ear defenders and using a chainsaw, the other clears away the cuttings.
The team hard at work

Cutting the trees not only allows more natural light to the area but also reveals the lamppost that has been covered by the tall growth. The increased light and space will hopefully allow the Birch and the Crab Apple trees along the Yew hedge to grow and bloom more.

It also opens a viewpoint of the Museum and Dome, not seen since the 1990s. The recently painted south profile of Brighton Museum can now be seen as you approach the building from the south through the garden, adding more visual interest to the visitor and opening sightlines. This maintenance is part of the team’s ongoing efforts in the Restoration of the Garden.

Yew hedge cutting in the Garden. February 2026
Halfway through the Yew hedge cutting

The Yew hedge will grow back and will have regular pruning to maintain the benefits of this work. The cuttings from the tree will be collected by a heavy green waste company to turn into compost. This is in keeping with the Garden team’s practice of nutrient recycling.

Yew hedge cutting in the Garden. February 2026
The completed cutting of the Yew hedge

So, the next time you’re walking through the Garden, take a moment to admire the view and landscaping, which has been restored after 30 years.

Royal Pavilion Garden, May 1995. The view looks over the grass and Yew hedge towards Brighton Museum
Royal Pavilion Garden, May 1995.
Royal Pavilion Garden, February 2026. The view looks over the grass and Yew hedge towards Brighton Museum
Royal Pavilion Garden, February 2026.
Royal Pavilion Garden, May 1996. The Dome and the side of Brighton Museum are visible in the background. People can be seen walking on the paths around the garden.
Royal Pavilion Garden, May 1996. The Dome and the side of Brighton Museum are visible in the background. People can be seen walking on the paths around the garden.
May 1996
May 1996
Yew hedge cutting in the Garden. February 2026. The sun shines over the freshly cut Yew hedge. A wheelbarrow, rake and a bucket of gardening tools sit on the path in the foreground
Yew hedge cutting in the Garden. February 2026. The sun shines over the freshly cut Yew hedge. A wheelbarrow, rake and a bucket of gardening tools sit on the path in the foreground
Yew hedge cutting in the Garden. February 2026. The side of Brighton Museum can be seen over the freshly cut Yew hedge
Yew hedge cutting in the Garden. February 2026. The side of Brighton Museum can be seen over the freshly cut Yew hedge
Yew hedge cutting in the Garden. February 2026. Yew hedge cutting in the Garden. February 2026. The side of Brighton Museum can be seen over the freshly cut Yew hedge. The grass can be seen in the foreground.
Yew hedge cutting in the Garden. February 2026. Yew hedge cutting in the Garden. February 2026. The side of Brighton Museum can be seen over the freshly cut Yew hedge. The grass can be seen in the foreground.
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