Illustration student Gustav Freij and graphic design students Jessica Keene and Jennifer Whitworth have helped produce a tourist guide showing where visitors can see some of the city’s famous elm trees.

Known as the National Elm Collection in recognition of Brighton and Hove’s success in fighting the deadly Dutch elm disease, the city’s 17,000 elms include the 400-year-old Preston Twins in Preston Park, considered the largest and oldest surviving English Elms in Europe.

The students were commissioned by developer First Base to draw the maps, in collaboration with academics, businesses, community groups and Brighton & Hove City Council’s tourism department.

Illustration student Gustav Freij and graphic design students Jessica Keene and Jennifer Whitworth said: “It was a fantastic experience to work on this project with the Pavilion Garden Cafe and VisitBrighton.

“Not only has it given us the opportunity to work on a live project, but it’s also a great cause – to protect and preserve Brighton’s historic elm tree collection.

“We’ve learnt a great deal both about our discipline and the wildlife within Brighton, and we are grateful for being given this chance to design for our local community.”

Gavin Ambrose, Senior Lecturer, Graphic Design, University of Brighton said, “The project is an ideal combination of design experience for our students and an opportunity to make a significant cultural and environmental impact on the community by encouraging and fostering an interest in our rich living resource.”

The partnership comprised Friends of Pavilion Gardens Café, The University of Brighton, The Brighton and Lewes Downs UNESCO World Biosphere Region and VisitBrighton.

The guide will be officially launched on 2 November from 1pm at the Pavilion Gardens Café, off New Road, Brighton.