Friends of Langstone Harbour “a respected voice for the conservation and environmental protection in the local community”

That’s the view of FLH chairman Kevin Edwards as he outlined some of the work the non-profit organisation do to preserve and enhance the natural beauty and ecological importance of the harbour.

Over the past two years, FLH – founded in 1996 – have rapidly increased its membership and level of activity.

Each month FLH members undertake a series of workouts, including the planting of over 800 trees at Milton Common, the removal of a glass fibre hulk at Northshore, Hayling, and the tidying of the foreshores across the harbour.

“The Friends work closely with other public and voluntary bodies to promote a more sustainable management of the harbour,” Mr Edwards explained.

“The organisation promotes responsible boating practice, sustainable fishing, as well as providing an effective monitor on water quality.

"In addition, the Friends work to ensure that development in the area is carried out in a manner that is environmentally responsible and respectful of the Harbour’s unique character.

“The Friends of Langstone Harbour play an important role in protecting and preserving this important natural resource and our work is valued by the local community and beyond.”

In April of this year, FLH committee member Mike Owens organised a visit to Budd’s Farm Treatment Works, “an informative event” which will be repeated “in order to address some of the questions arising from our last visit.”

The following month FLH chartered the Pride of Hayling ferry, inviting members of the Langstone Harbour Board along for the trip.

LHB Environment Officer Megan Roberts said: “It was great for Officers of the Board to join the Friends on their annual evening cruise.

"The Harbour Board are always happy to work alongside them to protect our beautiful Harbour. There was much excitement to be had on the cruise with lots of interesting conversations about efforts to restore the Harbour and potential ways forward.”

This coming Saturday the Friends will be running their regular monthly work program, focusing on capture points on the Farlington Marshes nature reserve. Meet from 9.30am in the carpark, all are welcome.

The FLH AGM takes place on November 2 at the Langstone Sailing Club (7.30pm start).

It will be followed with a talk by guest speaker Roger Morgan Grenville, the co-founder of Help for Heroes and a prolific author, broadcaster and traveller.

He will be talking about his recent walk from the south coast to Cape Wraith in the far north of Scotland to highlight the perilous plight of the Curlew.

As founder of the Curlew Action Campaign, he has a particular interest in biodiversity loss and recovery.

Membership of FLH is £5 per annum with more details at www.friendsoflh.org.uk