Watervole recovery

Returning watervoles to the River Wey

The Black Down & Hindhead Supporters helped the local National Trust team to bring their dream of returning watervoles to the River Wey into reality.  The wide-reaching partnership project, led by the National Trust, Environment Agency and River Wey Trust released the first batch of animals in the autumn of 2025, with further batches to come in 2026.

Swan Barn Farm tracks

Repairing tracks through the farm

Supporter funds were spent reinforcing the tracks through the farm in 2025, enabling visitors to walk through previously boggy areas.  The tracks are also crucial in allowing farm machinery access for the annual hay-making that is essential to maintain the wildflower diversity of the meadows.

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.

Valewood Rewilding

Guards for selected saplings

The Supporters purchased some of these special new tree guards at the Ranger’s request.  Protecting selected saplings from grazing animals enables them to establish and will help ensure a good mosaic of habitats at Valewood as the area rewilds.

Hutchinson Memorial

Repairing the lime kiln at Marley Heights

The historic kiln at Marley Heights had fallen into disrepair when the Black Down & Hindhead Supporters stepped in with funds for its expert refurbishment.  Members of the Supporters committee also spent time clearing the access steps in the autumn of 2025.  The plaque explains its gift to the National Trust in memory of Jonathan Hutchinson.

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.

Punch Bowl All Weather Footpaths

Footpath repairs

The Supporters helped with repairs to the all-weather footpath around the Punch Bowl, ensuring access to this hugely popular route year-round.  Seats are dotted along the route to sit and take in the stunning views across the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

Barn Owls at Valewood

Luxury accommodation

The Rangers hope these barn owl mansions will help boost the numbers of these beautiful birds across the Valewood grassland.  Another special project made possible with funding from the Supporters.

Punch Bowl 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.