The Friends of Portswood Rec (FoPR) is a group of local people who enjoy visiting this green space. Working with both Southampton City Council (SCC) and other groups, we're aiming to improve facilities and increase biodiversity in the Rec, so that it's truly a place for everyone. We're doing this, as volunteers, through initiatives such as the weekly gardening group, and ongoing fundraising for new facilities.

The Rec is a hidden gem, as you can see from our video (link at the foot of the page) - "Portswood Rec - a Place for Everyone". Shot over different times of year, it highlights how much enjoyment this green space can bring to both adults and children across our wide-ranging community. Find out how to find us.

If you're a parent or guardian of younger children, then do come along to our next session of arty, creative, nature-focused activities. Held through the summer on the first Saturday of each month between 10.30 and 12.30, Nature Kids is a drop-in event, completely free of charge, with refreshments too. The next session - when we hope to have a return visit from some special visitors - will be on 6 June.

Whatever the weather, there's some shelter under the new gazebo too! Children should be accompanied by a responsible adult. More details on the Events page.

For future dates, can you help us either organise an individual event, or lead an activity? Crafting, nature trails and quizzes have been popular options. New ideas are of course always be welcome.

Congratulations to Cllr Kat Barbour (Portswood Ward) on her appointment as Sherrif (Deputy Lord Mayor) of Southampton. Kat has been actively involved with the Rec for quite a few years. She was the driving force for example behind the 'Pirate Party' in 2023, and is currently our Secretary. Very impressive ceremonial robes BTW ... maybe that tricorn hat could be half-inched for another appearance as Ann Bonny or Mary Read...

With long evenings and warm weekends, why not take a walk round the area, and look out for some of the plants, trees and insects featured in our Nature Notes? With Denise Long's carefully researched words and pictures, they're a real treasure trove. Hot off the press is the mindfully-titled BEE-ing at the Rec.

Our Gardening Group gather on alternate Saturdays and Sundays. Do give us a shout if you'd like to find out more. A grant from West Solent Solar has enabled purchase of extra equipment including a new hosereel, plus a bowser to help us take water to the further corners of the Rec in our much drier summers. New, purpose-made containers are making composting and mulching more efficient. There's more about a visit to the compost-meisters at Aldermoor Farm, plus next season's dates, on the Gardening page.

Do you have access to a garden yourself, or a patio planter? If so, you'll find some fascinating, practical info from the RHS, on the plants that butterflies, bees and hoverflies absolutely love. (The photo shows a Common Carder bee, a fluffy, gingery species of bumblebee, which can often be spotted at the Rec between March and November.)

The RSPB offers some excellent advice on feeding garden birds, especially important in at this time of year while they're raising their chicks.

Anyone for tennis? Popular with players of all ages and abilities, the two hard courts are open 24/7 and are free of charge! No booking required - though please be aware that other players may be waiting to use the courts.

The very great majority of human and canine visitors to the Rec come for enjoyment and relaxation. The dedicated dog-walking area is popular with four-legged friends and their owners. Meanwhile families with small children appreciate the dog-free zones - something that's not available in most other green spaces across the City.

However, if you are aware of any instances of damaged equipment, anti-social behaviour or fly-tipping, we have contact details for the relevant authorities here. And for everyone's sake, please remember to bag-it and bin-it after your dog has done big business.... Thank you for your support.

FoPR's next public meeting will be at 7.45pm on 1 July at the Scout Hut, Brickfield Road. The Agenda will be available a few weeks beforehand on the documents (meetings) page, where you can also find Minutes of past meetings. To find out about becoming a Friend, please follow this link.

We're also on social media:

Friends of Portswood Rec, Southampton, UK