'I hope this is my legacy': Passionate mum-of-two creates free Portsdown Hill treasure hunt
Growing up with Portsdown Hill on her doorstep has inspired a mum-of-two to create a weekly treasure hunt for families to enjoy without spending a penny.
Courtney Jones, from Paulsgrove, created Portsdown Hill Hunt at the start of the year in a bid to get youngsters exploring the iconic outdoor space in the city.
She said: “I’ve lived in Portsmouth my whole life. I have always been below the hill so it has been like a back garden to me. As a child, it was always my favourite place and I still love it because there is so much beauty and history here, it’s just stunning.”
Each family taking part gets a ziplock bag containing a unique map “made from the heart”, gold chocolate coins and gold Haribo bears to help them on their weekend adventures.
Courtney added: “Ever since my girls were little, I’ve taken them up to the hill. I’m a bit of a fanatic and I want to share this place with as many people as possible. I started the hunt at the end of January - I was just laying in bed one day and I always wondered why nothing is done up the hill.
“For me being a young mum, I have always used the facilities that are free and I thought ‘why is that massive hill not being used? I’m going to start a treasure hunt’ - It really has brought the community together.
Taking place every Saturday at 12noon, the hunt has “blown up” and has seen a “positive response” across the community, with more and more families taking part each week.