Portsdown Hill Countryside Service
The Portsdown Hill Countryside Service (PHCS) has the role of managing Portsmouth City Council land on Portsdown Hill for the benefit of its abundant wildlife and public enjoyment. It is part of Leisure Services Parks Department.
In addition to the Site of Special Scientific Importance (S.S.S.I.) the Portsdown Hill Countryside Service is involved in the management of other public open space on the hill such as mown amenity areas, old chalk pits, wooded areas and nature trails.
Much of the rest of the hill is under the management of the MoD, tenant farmers utilities companies and an activities centre. Acting in an advisory capacity the PHCS encourages other land users to manage their parts of the hill in a way that is sympathetic to wildlife.
Public interest in the welfare of the hill is channelled through The Portsdown Hill Conservation Volunteers and the Friends of Portsdown Hill. The conservation volunteers carry out tasks such as mowing, scrub clearance, tree planting and estate maintenance. The Friends of Portsdown Hill group have a programme of walks, talks and other events that is complementary to the events provided by the PHCS and likewise their events are aimed at improving understanding and appreciation of the Portsdown Hill area.