Local Projects Enabled by Local Supporters
One of the key purposes of the Black Down and Hindhead Supporters group is to fund important local projects that lie outside the reach of the National Trust’s central budgets.
Members’ subscriptions and donations go directly to enhancing our local sites. Set out below are a few examples of projects which would not have been possible without the help of the local Supporters.
New ponies for the Punchbowl
Natural conservation grazing
Photo: Tim Mockridge
The Black Down & Hindhead National Trust supporters are gradually purchasing more ponies to help with the important task of conservation grazing across the Devil’s Punchbowl. The faithful old herd has been diminishing in recent years, so new young ponies are being introduced over a period of a few years to bring a more balanced age structure.
Castle Copse, Black Down
Rhododendrons then archaeology
An exciting new acquisition of wooded land at Black Down with potential historical interest. The Supporters have provided funding for clearance of invasive non native rhododendrons prior to some exciting archaeological research.
Punchbowl Viewpoint
A long-standing feature
This beautiful, locally-crafted sculpture was installed many years ago by the Supporters and still serves to highlight to visitors the contours of the special nature reserve that spans out in front of them while standing at the Punchbowl viewpoint.