We're carrying out seasonal work to help the grass at Southsea Common recover from heavy use and remain healthier for longer.
The work will improve the soil, support stronger grass growth and address some of the areas where water collects. It forms part of a long-term programme to improve the condition and resilience of the common.
What work is taking place
Work will take place in stages in different areas of the Common. Depending on the location and stage of the programme, you may see:
- machinery aerating the soil
- grass seed and topsoil being applied
- work to improve low-lying areas
- a lime-based soil treatment being spread in selected areas
- Parks staff monitoring and maintaining treated areas
Why the work is needed
Southsea Common is used throughout the year for recreation, community activities and major events. Heavy use can compact the soil, making it harder for air, water and nutrients to reach the grass roots.
The restoration work is intended to improve growing conditions, help the grass establish more successfully and make it more resilient over time. Improvements will appear gradually rather than immediately.
Access to Southsea Common
Yes. The Common will remain open while the work takes place. Please keep away from working machinery, follow any instructions from staff and observe signs displayed near treatment areas.
Some small working areas may need to be avoided temporarily while machinery is operating or treatment is being applied.
Advice for dog walkers
To protect animal welfare and allow the treatment to settle into the soil, dogs should be kept off the treated areas while the pellets remain visible on the surface.
Although the calcium-based product being applied is commonly used in turf management, contact with concentrated pellets or dust may cause mild irritation to sensitive paw pads and skin. There is also a risk of digestive upset if pellets are ingested directly or if residue is licked from paws or fur after contact with treated areas. In addition, inhalation of dust from freshly applied material may cause temporary respiratory irritation.
Dog owners are therefore asked to keep dogs away from all treated areas until the product has dispersed and been absorbed into the ground. Please follow all temporary signage and any instructions provided by staff. Normal access can resume once the treatment is no longer visible on the surface.
When the work will take place
The programme is dependent on suitable weather and ground conditions, so dates may change. Some treatments need firm but damp ground, limited wind and suitable rainfall afterwards.
We will share an update when there is reasonable confidence that the work can go ahead. Signs will also be displayed in the areas being treated.
Lime-based soil treatment
A lime-based soil treatment will be applied in selected areas. Small pellets may be visible on the ground for a period after application. The treatment will gradually wash into the turf following rainfall.
Standing water and flooding
The work should improve soil structure and help reduce standing water in some areas. However, it cannot prevent flooding following exceptionally heavy rainfall.
How long improvements will take
The work is part of a longer-term programme. Grass and soil conditions will be monitored, and improvements should become more visible gradually as the grass establishes and treated areas recover.
Updates about the work
The Parks team will provide operational updates, including any significant changes to the programme. Resident information will be shared through this webpage, council social media and signs on the Common.
Frequently asked questions
Why does compacted soil affect grass growth?
Frequent use and machinery can compress the soil. This reduces the space available for air and water and can make it harder for grass roots to establish. Aeration creates openings in the soil and supports healthier growing conditions.
What is aeration?
Aeration involves making small holes or channels in compacted soil. This helps air, water and nutrients move into the root zone and can support stronger grass growth.
Why are grass seed and topsoil being added?
Additional seed helps repair thin or worn areas. Topsoil or topdressing can improve the surface, support germination and help address minor unevenness or low spots.
What is the lime-based soil treatment for?
Soil testing across Southsea Common found that some areas have lower pH levels than is ideal for healthy grass growth. Grass generally grows best in soils with a pH of between 6 and 7.
Calcium carbonate will be applied to selected areas to help raise the soil pH and improve growing conditions. This can improve soil structure, support nutrient uptake, and encourage healthier, more resilient grass.
Is the lime-based treatment safe around dogs?
Dog owners are asked to keep their dogs out of treated areas until the treatment pellets are no longer visible. Contact with the pellets or dust may cause irritation to paws and skin, and ingestion may result in digestive upset. Please follow all temporary signage and instructions from staff.
Why is the timing weather-dependent?
Application depends on suitable ground and weather conditions. The soil needs to be firm enough for machinery but damp enough for treatment, with limited wind and suitable rainfall afterwards.
Why can exact dates change?
Weather and ground conditions can change quickly. Publishing dates only when the Parks team has reasonable confidence reduces the risk of giving residents information that becomes out of date.
Will the work improve drainage?
Work to improve soil structure and selected low-lying areas may reduce some standing water. It will not prevent flooding or waterlogging following exceptionally heavy rainfall.