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Portsdown Hill

Portsdown Hill is the boundary between the city of Portsmouth and Hampshire's rolling countryside to the north.  The site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (S.S.S.I) due to the rich chalk grassland flora and fauna that is present, despite widespread scrub and coarse vegetation.  The majority of the S.S.S.I ranges between 50-100 metres high with the highest ridge at 120 metres.  It is an excellent vantage point with spectacular views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

To maintain public enjoyment of Portsdown Hill and safeguard the site’s ecological value, the practical management of the site is carried out by the Portsdown Hill Countryside Service with additional tasks being carried out by contractors, volunteers and various community groups.  The most appropriate management is extensive grazing and scrub removal.

A continuing programme of grassland management work and footpath improvement is opening up more and more of this wild and fascinating area.  A wide variety of plants and animals, particularly butterflies, thrive on the chalk grassland and include some species not commonly found elsewhere in Britain.

Portsdown Hill also has an interesting military history, as well as being an important area for wildlife and there is much to explore.  This includes a series of Victorian hill forts which were built to protect Portsmouth's dockyard and naval base.  In total there are six forts that stretch from Wallington to Farlington.

Up on the hill you will find plenty of car parking space and a variety of trails to follow.  These will provide pleasant walks with interesting information along the way about the history and wildlife in the area.

Feel free to discover the joys of Portsdown Hill - there's much more than spectacular views to enjoy.

More information about the Hill

Portsdown Hill Conservation Volunteers
'Portsdown Preview' Newsletter
Information and Contacts
Talks and Guided Walks

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