Dear Members,  

As always, we start with a huge thank you for your continued support. Your membership is vital in helping to maintain and protect Limpsfield Common.   There’s already been lots going on in 2025 so here’s a quick update for you!

Stay Connected !

Have you seen our website, Facebook page, or local social media updates? These platforms keep you informed about what’s happening on the Common and the work of the Friends, the National Trust, and the Taskforce volunteers!  

If you haven’t visited our website yet, check out the latest news and updates, as well as interesting articles on the work we and the National Trust / Taskforce do on the common (and why), plus lots of spotter guides for wildlife-watching on the Common! https://friendsoflimpsfieldcommon.org/

Dates for Your Diary  

Air Raid Shelter Open Days – 10th May – Surrey Day (2-5 pm) and 20th July (2-4 pm)  

Join our volunteer World War II Guides for a fascinating insight into this important local site. Learn about those stationed here, the experiences of local schoolchildren during air raids, and even what a Spigot Mortar is.

Reserve your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-friends-of-limpsfield-common-106336121601

We will also be recording a special podcast with Visit Surrey all about Limpsfield in WW2. This will be broadcast on Surrey Day, 10th May via BBC Radio Surrey and then online on the Visit Surrey channel.

Chart Fair – Sunday 22nd June & Limpsfield Fête,Saturday 28th June

Come along to these popular local fairs, both 12-4pm. The Friends of Limpsfield Common, the National Trust, and the Parish Council will all have stalls—so stop by to say hello and find out more about our work in the community.  

News!

FrogFest25! Did you manage to catch the frog spawning at Yalden Spring? Once again there was a fantastic attendance by frogs from far and wide. There is a lot of frogspawn in the pond, which we hope will survive to produce tadpoles.  Watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1200884804981122

Great news for coffee lovers! This month, Fika Blends & Friends is rolling into the NT’s High Chart car park on Moorhouse Road. Founded by locals Cathryn Kelly and Rachel Scott-Taggart, with permission from the National Trust, their super cute horse trailer launches on Thursday 17th April and will be serving up delicious coffee Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, and bank holiday Mondays (9am-1pm), plus Mondays in the school holidays.  Perfect for walkers (dogs welcome!) or just your morning caffeine. Follow them on Insta @FIKA.blendsandfriends!

Litter pickers needed! We’re also looking for new “Guardians”—a dedicated group of volunteers who walk the Common, litter-picking as they go. Numbers have dropped recently, so if you’d like to help keep Limpsfield Common beautiful, please contact Peter Beard at pbeard_41saxbys@yahoo.co.uk .  

The Most Important News: A Change in Leadership ! 

2025 has already brought big changes for the National Trust Limpsfield Common Local Committee, with Tony Pearson and Yves Le Hur stepping down from their roles.  

Tony Pearson has retired as Chair after three years in the role and seven years on the committee. He has been instrumental in working with the National Trust to shape the management of the Common and overseeing the Friends of Limpsfield Common’s conservation efforts. A Limpsfield resident since 1974, Tony remains an active volunteer with the Taskforce, Air Raid Shelters team, and East Surrey Walkers.  

Stepping into the role of Chair is Ann Osborn, who is also a joint leader of Limpsfield in Bloom and a Limpsfield Parish Councillor.  

Yves Le Hur has also stepped down as Treasurer after seven years on the committee, five of which he served in the role—including a year as interim Chair. He is succeeded by Paul Sharp, a retired chartered accountant from Limpsfield.  

We also extend a warm welcome to Pippa Rouse, who has taken on the role of Secretary.  

Read a more detailed post on our website, https://friendsoflimpsfieldcommon.org/2025/02/28/changing-of-the-guard-at-friends-of-limpsfield-common/

And Finally…  

Our Annual Public Meeting will be held on Saturday 27th September at St Andrew’s Hall, Limpsfield Chart. Please save the date—more details to follow.  

Help Us Spread the Word 

Our volunteer, Sophie Martin, has created a Friends of Limpsfield Common poster—could you share it locally or pass it on digitally to friends, family, or your community?  

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.