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 play equipment.

The Rec is a hidden gem, and not everyone knows where we are! Find out how to find us.

Autumn is here, and it's hibernation and overwintering time for many smaller creatures. Denise Long, our gardening co-ordinator has some important advice, whether you're in somewhere like the Rec, out in the countryside or in your own garden:

"Please leave things like hollow stems, piles of twigs, leaves etc in sheltered spots around the garden. They make ideal places for overwintering insects and other creatures to hide in."

Our fundraising team recently made a successful bid for Bluestar Community Funding, and a presentation took place at the Rec on 7 October. You'll find more details on Bluestar's website. Meanwhile here's a photo of some of our Gardening Group and Committee receiving the 'award' - in the shape of a bus! - from Bluestar's Richard Tyldsley (General Manager) and Chrysie Papanicolau (Assistant Operations Manager).during a thankfully sunny break in the weather. The gardeners will be using the grant to buy much-needed equipment including a replacement hose reel, extra loppers and a cordless hedgetrimmer. The remainder will go towards next year's planting scheme.

Have you seen our latest arrival? Close to the Somerset Road entrance, it's an outdoor chess table - perfect for checkers as well. With seats on 3 sides, the fourth is open allowing easy wheelchair access too. Bring your own chess pieces (you can buy an inexpensive set at Argos in Portswood) and enjoy the world's most popular board game. For beginners there are plenty of websites setting out the rules and tactics. Our thanks to SCC who had successfully applied for funding for our chess table.

For recent news on fundraising, head to the Play Area Latest page. We've also been receiving media coverage. This includes a recent article in the Daily Echo about our campaign for new equipment and surfacing, and some brilliant coverage on both BBC TV and radio. You can follow these up on iPlayer and Sounds - the links are here.

The gardening group will soon be finishing their regular Saturday and Sunday sessions for the year. The gardens are still looking magnificent this autumn, as the photo shows. If you enjoy the outdoors (in a suburban sort of way!) and would like to help develop and maintain one of Southampton's great variety of parks and open spaces, do get in touch.

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.

The Friends of Portswood Rec (FoPR) Committee is nearly up to strength in its new form. We're still however looking for two new faces to finally complete the circle. One is an Events Organiser (aka Social Secretary) who can help devise and run activities in and around the Rec. The other is a Comms Coordinator, who can tell the whole world about us! For both these roles, if you - or someone you know - have some previous similar experience, either through work or as a volunteer, this will be really helpful. Your enthusiasm, commitment and a can-do approach will be just as important. Find out more about both these opportunities here.

To find out about becoming a Friend, please follow this link.

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

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Friends of Portswood Rec, Southampton, UK