A message from the Co-Chairs of Friends of Portswood Rec re ‘Space for Nature Event’ at Testwood Lakes on Saturday 7 February 2026
Posted by Highfield Residents' Association on Jan 5, 2026 in News, Wilder Southampton | 0 comments“You will recall that last year we were privileged to have received a Highly Commended Award from Wilder of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust for the work we have done for nature at the Rec. We are therefore delighted to be able to promote the Space for Nature Event at Testwood Lakes Education Centre (Totton) on Saturday 7 February. If you would like to go, places are free. Please register using the link below. We hope you enjoy the day.”
Co-Chairs Friends of Portswood Rec
Full programme below:
10.30am Arrive & refreshments
10.45am Introduction to community connectivity
11.00am Wildlife gardening
- Wilder Garden Champions Steve and Jane Page talk about the discoveries, delights and dilemmas they encounter as they make more space for nature in their garden. Not a ‘how to’ talk about wildlife gardening, this is their real life account of some of the joys and challenges experienced on the way.
12pm Embrace the weeds: pollinators & common plants
- Susan Simmonds Community Ecologist talks about some of our more common plants that provide everything that our insects need. Attracting more pollinators doesn’t necessarily mean spending money on wildflower seed but instead we may simply need to embrace the weeds.
12.30pm Walk – look at climate & wildlife garden & lunch
1.30pm Tree Guardians and Scarecrows: community engagement to fit your context
- Jill Doubleday Wilder Communities Officer outlines two community engagement initiatives in Southampton, and the reasons for their success.
2.15pm Community consultation & listening activities
- We will set up a few different listening activities to demonstrate how they might work with your communities. This will also be an opportunity to network with other people.
3.00pm Finish
Please bring a packed lunch and if you are coming with other members of your community please car share where possible.
To reserve your space, please go to the Eventbrite event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/space-for-nature-mini-conference-tickets-1977022354081
