The Friends of Portswood Rec (FoPR) is a group of local people who enjoy visiting and supporting 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. Some really fine autumn weather has produced wonderful autumn colours, as Anja's photo of fallen leaves shows. Find out how to find us.

SCC are running a public consultation including a drop-in session on 4 November, on proposed improvements to Portswood High Street. Details are here.

The half-term Puppet Picnic had to take shelter in the Scout Hut due to bad weather. But a good time was had by all, not least the 30 or so youngsters and their parents and carers who joined in.

Our thanks to everyone, not least Les and Lizzie (Puppet Back-up), our Kids' Events Coordinator Tony, and to everyone else who helped on the day.

So what's a samara? (a) an exotic Indian side dish, (b) a type of Japanese weaponry or (c) a helicopter or whirligig. If you answered (c), you'd be correct. And can you find them at the Rec? Answer yes, and you'd be right again.

Samaras are the dried, winged seeds of certain trees that spiral through the air as they fall - hence the nickname. Even in a light wind, they can travel much further than, say, a conker or hazelnut that falls straight down. On the ground, the seeds provide valuable nutirition for small mammals and birds.

At the Rec, we have five species of native and naturalised trees producing samaras. Find out more in the lastest edition of Nature Notes.

The Green Flag Award scheme "recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world". The strategy for this is set out in SCC's five year management plan, with input from FoPR. It certainly keeps us on our toes at times! A lovely sunny evening at the start of October saw the hoisting of our 2026-27 flag.

Our thanks to all concerned over the past year, and to Richard Kelly of the SCS Parks team for hoisting duties.

The gardens at the Rec have been designed with biodiversity front and centre, including habitats to encourage pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Over the hot summer, the Friends had been watering to "survive rather than thrive", but paying particular attention to younger or more vulnerable plants and trees, and those providing valuable nutrients to pollinators. We carried this out early in the morning, or in the relative cool of the evening, when it's most effective. While sadly there have been some losses, this commitment has enabled the colourful displays that we can enjoy today. Even though the weather is cooler now, there's been relatively little rain. We still need to make sure that our plants and shrubs are well hydrated.

The Gardening Group gather on alternate Saturdays and Sundays, to the end of November, re-starting in March. Do give us a shout if you'd like to find out more. Upcoming dates are on the Gardening page.

The zipwire in the play area failed a safety inspection at the end of August due to worn and damaged parts in the traveller mechanism. The seat was removed temporarily to prevent further use. SCC have ordered replacement parts, which are still awaiting delivery and fitting. We'll let you know once we have more news.

The play area is a fenced-off family area, and often there are very young children absorbed in what should be safe play. Please - no dogs, football games (there are spaces nearby for both of these) and particularly e-scooters here for everyone's sake.

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. We're aware that a few late-night visitors may be leaving debris which has no place on the Rec. Please take extra care and check long grass and undergrowth before your children play there. Thank you for your support.

The Rec is a hidden gem, as you can see from our video (link below) - "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. Agendas and Minutes of our meetings are available on the documents (meetings) page. To find out about becoming a Friend, please follow this link.

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Friends of Portswood Rec, Southampton, UK