Friends of Peartree Green held their third and most successful conservation work event on Sunday (Nov 19) – writes Jill Doubleday.

Led by Phil Budd, Chair of Southampton Natural History Society, 11 volunteers worked to clear small emergent trees, especially sallow, sycamore and ash, at the northern end of the chalky area. This first involved cutting of brambles to get to the trees. The aim was to widen paths, and to expose the area to the sun to encourage chalk grassland flora such as oxeye daisy, bee orchids and knapweed. Some litter picking was also undertaken.

Chair of Friends of Peartree Green, Paul Lewzey, commented, "It was very good to see an enthusiastic group of people from the Friends of Peartree Green working with other local residents on Saturday. This showed how much people appreciate Peartree Green and want it to stay somewhere that the people of Southampton can enjoy. It is a green gem running down the hill towards the river. Everything that we can do as a community to improve it will be an investment for the future. Thanks, everyone – and thank you to Lisa at the Craft Bug Café on Bridge Road for opening to supply refreshments."

There are further conservation work events on Sundays 21 Dec, 21 Jan, 18 Feb and 18 Mar. To get involved, follow us on Facebook/Friends of Peartree Green or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jill Doubleday