Friends of Harnham Slope

Harnham Slope is the north-facing escarpment located on the southern outskirts of the city of Salisbury known as Harnham Hill. It is one of the very few wooded areas of the city and offers an escape to the countryside on the doorstep of a city.

The Friends of Harnham Slope is a group of part-time volunteers who work together to promote community interest and involvement in the care, maintenance and management of Harnham Slope. The group aims to increase public enjoyment of the area and enhance its value for wildlife for the benefit of present and future generations. The Friends of Harnham Slope (which is usually abbreviated to FOHS and pronounced “foes”) work in close co- operation with the Parks Section of Salisbury District Council and the Trust’s Salisbury Community Wildlife Officer.

Projects completed by FOHS include clearing the picnic area, building steps, installing benches designed by children at the local infant and junior schools, planting bluebells and making and putting up bird boxes.

In March 2008 volunteers from the Trust’s Salisbury Wildlife Group joined forces with volunteers from FOHS for a hard day's work laying gravel on the top section of a much-used path on Harnham Slope. All together, the volunteers shovelled, barrowed and stamped down about eight tonnes of gravel. The result, despite the arm ache, was very satisfying and hopefully people who enjoy walking the Slope will now be less afraid of slipping when conditions are damp and dismal.