Good morning, Brighton. That’s right people; school’s out for the summer. A bead of sweat rolls down by temple as I write those words. The juggle begins tomorrow. It’s obviously a fab opportunity to spend quality time together as a family but it’s also the start of the eternal search for activities so we’ll do our best to get all the options to you for the week ahead in the Scoop.

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

🌳 Three-century-old cedar trees in Stanmer Park are now sporting fancy new fencing—think of it as a protective velvet rope for nature's royalty. The council has installed sustainable chestnut rail barriers around these majestic specimens to keep them (and visitors) safe while they continue their graceful aging process. Read about the special trees of Stanmer

The trees, planted alongside Stanmer House itself, have been shedding branches lately—a sign of their distinguished 300 years. Rather than giving them the chop or a severe trim, the council opted for this gentler approach. Visitors can still admire these beloved park fixtures, just from a respectfully admiring distance. It's preservation with a view. View the Stanmer Tree Trail Map. Happy hunting.

🥵 Brighton councillors are turning up the political temperature this week with a motion on—you guessed it—actual temperature limits for work. Green councillor Raphael Hill plans to propose maximum working temperatures as scorching heatwaves persist.

The motion cites alarming projections: Britain could hit 45°C (113°F) by 2056. France's recent heatwave killed over 2,000 people, mostly older adults. Locally, bin crews cut shifts short and schools closed as temperatures soared.

Hill and colleague Mark Earthey want the council to lobby the government for legal changes and install cooling units—air conditioning and solar-powered heat pumps—in care homes and schools. They're also highlighting how extreme heat threatens vulnerable people and even democratic participation, after some voters skipped recent elections due to the swelter.

Debate takes place Thursday 23rd at 2pm in Hove Town Hall. Watch the live webcast or full streams of past council meetings on Youtube.

🐶 We featured this a couple of weeks ago but with the deadline for feedback looming (7th August) we thought it worthwhile highlighting again. Brighton & Hove's leash on canine freedom is set to expire this October, and the council wants your two cents on whether it should remain in place.

Since 2023, their Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has kept dogs out of playgrounds, beaches (summer months), cemeteries, and select parks.

The council wants to know from you whether to renew for another three more years and expand the no-dog zones to include the fenced-off area of Blakers Park (which had been dog free for decades previous before a clerical error) and bits of Preston Park? Take the Your Voice Survey.

🎸 Brighton & Hove Council wants to turn Black Rock—that hard-standing plot next to the Marina—into an events hotspot for the next five years with up to 100 days use a year while dreaming up grander plans.

Think temporary marquees, stages, and the occasional circus tent, not permanent concrete monsters. The site's already hosting Central Park (the UK's biggest outdoor screen, naturally), and it's proved its mettle with the NoFit State Circus earlier this year.

The council reckons the location's genius: tucked below Marine Parade, it muffles noise from nearby residents. Two major events clocking 74 days of setup and shenanigans are lined up for 2026 alone.

Long-term? They're eyeing something ambitious—possibly an art gallery or landmark cultural venue. For now, it's pop-ups and parties. Everything comes down when the music stops.

🌤️ | 📈 22° | 📉 14° | ☔️ <5% | 🌬️ S 8mph | 🌊 Flat

☀️ | 📈 22° | 📉 15° | ☔️ <5% | 🌬️ S 9mph | 🌊 Flat

Be sure to tag us @brightonscoop to get your photos featured

Cinema’s aren’t going to fill themselves. Break a habit of a lifetime, turn off Netflix, get off the sofa and potter down to your local (cinema).

Duke of York’s Picturehouse - Book

The Odyssey | The Odyssey 35mm

Dukes at Komedia - Book

🎈Minions & Monsters | 🎈Toy Story 5 | The Odyssey | The Invite | 🎈The Gruffalo | 🎈Jurassic Park

🎈 Family friendly events

Great to have you follow the Scoop today. If you liked it, tell your neighbour. There’s a coffee on me if you spot me in town.