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 2026 AGM was held on 18 March. The current officers' reports and approved minutes of last year's AGM are on the documents (meetings) page, while the most recent minutes will be available shortly.

One of last year's successful new ventures was a series of Saturday morning nature-themed kids' events. We're aiming to run another series this year through the summer months featuring a range of drop-in activities. Can you help us either organise an individual event, or lead an activity? Crafting, nature trails and quizzes have been popular options - but new ideas will always be welcome. Here's the poster.

Our neighbours at Highfield Residents Association (HRA) celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2026 with a series of events planned through the year focusing on community involvement. FoPR were honoured to be chosen as HRA's January partner. Denise and Garth Long led a group of around 17 HRA members on a guided walk round the Rec on 24 January. Exploring the history, planting and wildlife, it was a great opportunity to show what we've achieved in recent years. Our latest guests were a group of keen gardeners from Southampton U3A (University of the Third Age) who enjoyed a walkabout on a very sunny 20 March. It's great to be making new links across the city!

Meanwhile, 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.

With longer evenings and warmer weekends, why not take a walk with your kids or grandkids round the Rec, 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.

Our Gardening Group took a break over the winter but are now gathering again 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 and a bowser to help us take water to the further corners of the Rec in our much drier summers. New, purpose-made bins will make 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. And the RSPB offers some excellent advice on feeding garden birds, especially important in the coming months while they're breeding and raising their chicks.

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.

Looking for Agendas and Minutes of past and future meetings? They are here. And to find out about becoming a Friend, please follow this link.

The Rec is a hidden gem, as you can see from our video - "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.

We're also on social media:

Friends of Portswood Rec, Southampton, UK