The Friends are local people who enjoy Portsdown Hill in one way or another and wish to keep it as an important amenity for everyone to enjoy. We are independent but have strong links with the Portsdown Hill Countryside Service based at Fort Widley, and with the Portsdown Hill Conservation Volunteers.
The group was established sometime in 1993 and aims to promote
the benefits of this natural green space for the recreation,
education and general well-being of local people. We are
particularly interested in the conservation of the Site of
Special Scientific Interest with its chalk downland flora and
fauna, and are keen to ensure that the hill is properly managed
for future generations to enjoy. We also have an interest in the
history of the area.
Our constitution (July 2023) is here
Between October and April we have monthly meetings on the
second Tuesday at the Church of the Resurrection hall, Brecon
Avenue, Drayton, PO6 2AW, starting at 7.30pm. From October 2023 the entrance fee is
£3, including refreshments. Guest speakers may cover
history or wildlife, frequently directly related to Portsdown
Hill, but with a few topics relating to other places.
A newsletter is produced regularly with details of events and
activities on the hill. We keep an eye on planning issues which
may have an impact on the hill.
By raising funds and applying for grants we can assist the
Countryside Service and the volunteers. For example we obtained a
grant for the purchase of a grass cutting and collecting unit to
go with the tractor. Contributions can be made to volunteers
towards the cost of safety clothing, equipment and training. We have provided funds for display panels at Candy's Pit and at the car park next to The Churchillian.
The Friends have acted as the applicant and custodian of a grant from Tesco Bags of Help for a new walkway on the north side of the hill.
And we are always ready to try new endeavours consistent with our
objectives.
The more of us the better, both in terms of any work we do but also when applying for grants, for example. Please join us. The annual subscription is £5. Please send a cheque, along with your name, address, phone number and email address to :
The Membership Secretary, Friends of Portsdown Hill, c/o Portsdown Hill Countryside Service, Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill Road, Portsmouth, PO6 3LS
Alternatively, make a bank transfer, with your name as reference:
Account name: FRIENDS OF PORTSDOWN HILL C/O MR A DUNN
Sort code: 77-25-18
Account No. 87587260
Please e-mail: FoPH (mail@portsdown.org.uk) to provide your details.
A membership form is here. Your email address will be used for newsletters in order to keep our postage costs down.
Thank you for your support.
There is no well-defined group of volunteers, but the name has
long been used for all the people who volunteer in some way or
other. Most of them come to the workdays on a Wednesday or a
Sunday. Some help out at other times with lookering,
litter-picking, counting butterflies, fixing machinery and a myriad of other tasks. A
few of them are jovially referred to as "deep-cover operatives"
who prefer to do their own thing. It's not all hard work though,
social events include a Christmas party and a summer coach trip
to somewhere of natural interest.
We all share the common idea of getting out and doing something
practical in their local environment. The volunteers may or may
not belong to the Friends, and vice versa.
We were very pleased at the Portsmouth Inspiring Volunteer Awards 2017 on 6th June, as Portsdown Hill Conservation Volunteers won the team award for Environment and Conservation. This turned to total surprise near the end of the event when they also won the Volunteer Team of the Year award.
The awards are gratefully received in recognition of the work put in by volunteers over many years to assist the City Council and its sole employee in maintaining a high standard of access and interest.