Portsdown Hill Conservation Volunteers

The Portsdown Hill Conservation Volunteers work closely with the city council's Portsdown Hill Countryside Service which is based at Fort Widley - one the Victorian hill forts that dominate the Hill.  A major aim of the volunteer group is to return large expanses of Portsdown to species-rich downland at the expense of scrub and rank grass that is spreading fast.  Most people who have had anything to do with conservation work in the past will instantly realise this is a recipe for endless scrub bashing.

Whilst it is true that scrub clearance is a regular feature of the winter task programme, it is reassuring to know that the work is done in conjunction with grazing.  The reintroduction of cattle means that scrub tends not to grow back (they eat it) and there are cattle roundup tasks to look forward to.

For those reluctant to tackle dense hawthorn stands, there are a range of other tasks undertaken by the volunteers:

• Haymaking tasks add diversity to local meadows

• Hedge-laying and hedge-planting regenerate lost habitats on adjacent farmland

• Paths, stiles and gates are built to improve access

As with any group that concentrates its efforts in a distinct locality there are opportunities to monitor the benefits that conservation work bring.  Volunteers carry out butterfly transects, insect and bird surveys as well as recording the effects of grazing on the vegetation.

How can I get involved?

Every Wednesday and one Sunday a month there is a conservation task on the hill.  To find out more about the Portsdown Hill Conservation Volunteers:

• Telephone (023) 9238 9623
• Meet at the East Gate at Fort Widley on a Wednesday
• Click on the 'External Link' to visit the Volunteers website

All you need for participating in conservation tasks are tough comfortable clothes, a pair of boots or wellies and don't forget to take something to eat and drink