| This was the first event to celebrate HRA@50 and was very well attended by 17 members, many of whom had not previously visited the Rec. Garth and Denise Long and Linnet Evans gave an informative tour on a cold but dry morning.We learned how the site was originally a brickfield in the 1920s, and compulsory purchased by the Council in 1931. In 1937 it was opened as a recreation ground. Friends of Portswood Rec was established in 2011. From 2019 Garth and Denise set about working with volunteers to restore the borders to encourage wildlife, especially pollinating insects. The garden area by that time was heavily overgrown with bramble and just about every other weed you can think of. Looking at the wet and brown borders, you wouldn’t think they would blossom each summer into such abundant and chemical free havens for wildlife. But the snowdrops were out, the ivy was smothered in flowers and soon the verge by the Kitchener Road entrance will be covered in bright crocus flowers.
Since its formation, FOPR has worked alongside the Council to improve a number of the facilities within the park. An ex-chair worked tirelessly over the years to raise funds for the ramp between Brickfield Road and the garden, for the replacement play equipment (both in 2015 and 2025), new benches and the resurfacing of the tennis courts. These outcomes have been achieved by the group alongside the work of gardening.
Denise said, “Like many voluntary organisations, FOPR are struggling to recruit volunteers in some areas. They are particularly looking for an events person who could organise and manage a community / children’s event in the summer. As well as this, FOPR are hoping to hold several 2 hour pop up younger children’s nature activity sessions on some summer Saturday mornings. It is such a special place and resource for urban children. If you are able and willing to get involved in either planning or delivering these short sessions, please contact info.friendsofportswoodrec@gmail.com
Likewise if people would like to get involved in the gardening, we’d love to have you on on board. Please contact me if you’re interested on denise.long2@btinternet.com
If you would like to join as members: https://friendsofportswoodrec.uk/donations/index.php
Garth, Denise and Linnet were delighted that the HRA members most generously donated £52 to their funds.
If you are interested to know more: https://www.friendsofportswoodrec.uk/naturenotes/index.php
There is likely to be a repeat FOPR-guided visit in June – keep reading the HRA Enews! |
