The Friends of Petersfield Heath AGM is on Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 7.00pm in the Rose Room, Petersfield Festival Hall. Opening presentation by Duncan MacCallum “Richmond Park – A Ranger’s Story”. Like to attend? RSVP our secretary, email link on our website. #petersfieldheath

Interested in participating in a butterfly survey? Recently, volunteers received trained ready for our new monitoring program. The session was led by Steve Bolton of the Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust. Contact Jordan if you'd like to help (see website for contact details). #petersfieldheath

The Red Dead-nettle: it's OK, it doesn't sting! You'll see a lot of these lovely little purple herbs flowering on the Heath. A member of the mint family, also known as the 'bumblebee flower' because bumblebees love them! #petersfieldheath

Busy on the barrows! Petersfield is unique in having 21 Bronze Age Barrows in just a 22 acre area with a sign-posted archaeological trail. Our admirable volunteers have been busy keeping these ancient monuments clear for viewing and their protection. #petersfieldheath

Our dynamic volunteers in action! Work party for volunteers this Sunday 15th Feb '25. Cut and clear work on barrow 4. As always, the weekly meet time is at 10am. Tea/coffee/biscuits will be provided as normal :) #petersfieldheath

Huge thanks to the volunteers who cleared the ditches last week! This week, Sunday 7th Dec'25 10:00, we'll be working maintaining the car park and pulling saplings. Waterproof clothing is likely needed :( #petersfieldheath

Don't forget: The Friends work party season is still underway. Meeting this Sunday 30th Oct, at Heath Rd car park 10am. Ditch clearance this week, so wellies needed! #petersfieldheath

Wildflower meadow management can look severe but it's all about weakening the vigorous grasses to give space for floral diversity. It's particularly important to remove the risings (the cuttings) to reduce the nitrogen load over the years. Thank you volunteers! #petesfieldheath

Volunteer with the Friends of Petersfield Heath and help care for our beautiful and rare ecosystem in the heart of #petersfield! Work party meeting tomorrow Sunday 5th Oct at Heath Rd carpark 10am. #petersfieldheath

Bracken control does wonders for heather. Look at the great result from the volunteers last weekend. Same again tomorrow, Sunday 21st Sept, 10am #petersfieldheath #heather #brackencontrol

Heather in bloom. #petersfieldheath

Roesel's bush-cricket. This distinctive and handsome insect can be found on the heath. See if you can find one in the long grasses. Hop to it! (photo taken today). #petersfieldheath

Too hot for a work party this weekend, so next one is planned for the 29th June. #petersfieldheath

Have you seen our meadow makers? These curious flowers are 'Yellow Rattle' and are parasitic to neighbouring grasses, which helpfully opens up the sward for other wildflowers to arrive. And yes, the mature seeds rattle in the wind! Photo taken yesterday. #petersfieldheath

These beauties are the Common Spotted-Orchid. They grow in a variety of habitats, including heaths, luckily for us! #petersfieldheath

Volunteers: Bracken control today. If you're keen to help, please meet at the FoPH container at 10:00am on Sunday 1st June. We're always thankful! #petersfieldheath

Heathlands are unique habitats that need specific conditions in order to thrive. So many thanks to Aspire and all the volunteers who put in the effort this week for our little heath in the heart of Petersfield. #petersfieldheath #petersfield

Thank you to all who attended our AGM this week and special thanks to our speakers. Your support is appreciated! #petersfieldheath #petersfield

Hear us on Shine Radio! Listen to Richard Philips, the Secretary of the Friends of Petersfield Heath talk about our biodiversity activities, Kingfishers, Barn Owls, and hedgerows and pathways, and how to get a licence for your kayak. shineradio.uk/2025/05/frie... #petersfieldheath

A reminder that our AGM is this coming Tuesday 20th May '25 at 18.45. It includes a fascinating talk by Margaret Paren, former chair of the SDNPA, about the creation of the South Downs National Park. See our website for more info: petersfieldheath.org/2025/05/06/a... #petersfieldheath

The Yellow Iris / Flag Iris is a water-loving plant that can currently be seen in full flower around the pond. It's possibly the inspiration behind the fleur-de-lis symbol. You can get a good look from the boardwalk. #petersfieldheath #petersfield

The Friends of Petersfield Heath invite you to their AGM, Tue 20 May 6.45 for 7.00 pm, Rose Room, Petersfield Festival Hall. Open to the general public. Starting with a talk on “The Creation of the South Downs National Park” by Margaret Paren OBE. See petersfieldheath.org for the full agenda.

This photo was taken on the Heath a few days ago. This cheery spring flower is the Lesser Celandine, or Ficaria verna in Latin. As an old traditional herbal medicine, it is also known as 'Pilewort'. Can you guess why? #petersfieldheath

A huge THANK YOU to all volunteers who have helped over the work-season. The last regular session was very productive, making the ditches flow and repairing hedges. These and other environment friendly activities couldn't happen without you! #petersfieldheath #petersfield

Join us and volunteer for dead-hedging this Sunday 9th March '25 at 10am. Meet at Heath Rd Carpark. #petersfieldheath. Look at last week's efforts. Not just for boundaries, dead-hedges are great wildlife habitats. #petersfieldnature #petersfield

Enjoy exploring the many paths through #petersfiedheath! Sterling work by the volunteers last weekend improved access by removing overgrown brambles. Come and volunteer for todays dead-hedging work 23rd Feb '25. Meet at 10 at Heath Rd car park. It's satisfying stuff!