Supporters and friends explored the Devil’s Punch Bowl, strolling along cool shady paths on a hot and sunny July Sunday, soaking up some of the extensive knowledge of the area being shared by local National Trust volunteer, Arthur. Butterfly sightings included a rare close view of a purple hairstreak that had descended from its usual tree-top haunt; we learnt of medicinal plants, of inks derived from oak galls and of important butterfly food plants. We contemplated some of the management challenges of this large nature reserve and enjoyed its tranquility and its wildlife.
The tour would not have been complete without taking in the Sailor’s stone, commemorating an unknown sailor who was murdered in 1786 by three assailants he had earlier befriended in Thursley’s Red Lion Inn. The three murderers were caught and later hung at The Gibbet, near where the Celtic cross now stands with views stretching to the London skyline.
Our route also took us to the area that is grazed by the ponies purchased by the Black Down & Hindhead Supporters and along the all-weather path the Supporters helped to fund.
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