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. Find out how to find us.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust honours "wildlife heroes" across the county. This year, FoPR were Highly Commended "for transforming their local urban park into a haven for wildlife. Work includes creating a wildflower meadow, planting native hedges and trees, installing bat and bird boxes, building bug hotels, and managing habitats for hedgehogs, stag beetles, and other species. They have also engaged the local community through educational displays, children’s events, and monthly Nature Notes, encouraging residents to appreciate and protect urban wildlife." Follow the link above for other truly inspiring stories, including those of some brilliant young citizen scientists.

Denise and Garth Long received the award on behalf of the Friends at The Point in Eastleigh on 23 October. Garth is also talking briefly about this on the 5.45 news slot on That's TV (Channel 7 Freeview) later this week.

FoPR's Autumn/Winter e-newsletter is now out, with some lovely memories from the past year. Special thanks to May Lindsay for putting it all together.

If you're aged 16 - 23 and keen to find out more about conservation, you'll be interested in SCC's 'Young Rangers' scheme. The group meets monthly on a Saturday on the Common, with a weekday planned in college holidays too, and the next session is Thursday 30^th October. More details from SCC's Lead Ranger Dawn Bannatyne.

And for younger children, there are (free) half-term trails at the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre, this year with an amphibian and reptile theme. The Hawthorns is open 10-3 every Sunday, plus Wednesdays during holidays. It's located behind the Cowherds pub - from the Avenue, turn into Northlands Road, and then for pedestrians sharp right through the gate. Parking in Cemetry Road.

A (wedding?) ring was found recently at the Rec. If you think it may be yours, please get in touch with a short description.

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.

We hope you're enjoying our gardens, with their bright colours and shady places evolving through the year - great for pollinators. Members of the Gardening Group worked very hard through the dry summer to keep everything watered and at least surviving. Above are a few shots of the gardeners enjoying an earlier, cooler start to one of those days. The group will now continue to meet until the end of November (dates on our News & Events page). We have welcomed some new members this year, and would love to see more new faces when we re-start in March, or at one of our occasional winter blitz days. So if you appreciate being outside, helping nature, and don't mind getting your hands dirty (though gloves will be provided...), do get in touch.

Our Big Park tidy will now be on Saturday 6 December - it's a fun morning, with everyone (gardeners or not!) welcome.

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 very great majority of (human and canine) visitors to the Rec come for enjoyment and relaxation. 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. Thank you for your support.

We're delighted that Portswood Rec has retained the prestigious Green Flag award for another two years, thanks to the combined work of the Friends and SCC. We're also proud to be part of the city-wide initiative of developing and promoting more welcoming green spaces.

Looking for Agendas and Minutes of past and future meetings? They are here.

To find out about becoming a Friend, please follow this link. And if you're hungry for more about pollinators, check out this recent BBC Radio 4 programme.

Our video gives an overview of Portswood Rec and our group:

We're also on social media:

Friends of Portswood Rec, Southampton, UK