Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

On By thewordbirdIn Members' Updates

As the year draws to a close, we would like to thank all our members for their continued support and involvement. 

It has been a busy and productive year for the Friends of Limpsfield Common, marked by both change and achievement.

We said goodbye to our Chair, Tony Pearson and Treasurer, Yves Le Hur and were delighted to welcome Ann Osborn as Chair and Paul Sharp as Treasurer. We also bade farewell to our much-loved Ranger, Conor, who left to pursue a Master’s degree and new adventures, and were very happy to welcome our excellent new Ranger, India Davies, to the team.

This year we held two very successful Air Raid Shelter Open Days, as well as several organised tours by local groups; we took part in Surrey Day and the WW2 / VE Day 80 commemorations, recorded a podcast with Visit Surrey and were featured extensively on BBC Radio Surrey. 

Our Annual Public Meeting and Ranger Walks were well attended and taking part in the Limpsfield Village and Chart Fairs again proved a great opportunity to share information, welcome new members and showcase the work we do.

We continued our proactive woodland management programme and have begun planning for the Yalden Spring rejuvenation project, which we are excited to commence in 2026. 

It has been especially encouraging to see so many families enjoying the common and woodland throughout the year, and we remain very positive about the future of the Commons for generations to come. 

Please use the resources on our website to allow you to get to know the wonderful flora and fauna on your doorstep and to keep up to date with what we do, and why!

Thank you once again for your support and for getting involved. We are always keen to welcome new volunteers, whether to join our Guardians (the Wombles of Limpsfield Common!) who do a fantastic job litter-picking and keeping the common tidy, or to support our project teams, such as the Heritage Team.

We have lots of plans ahead and look forward to sharing more with you in 2026.

With very best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Your NT Local Committee for Limpsfield Common (aka Friends of Limpsfield Common)

Please keep up to date with our news and articles about the common and our work via our social media and online news posts.

The Changing Face of Ridlands Grove: A More Natural Approach to Homes for Woodland Creatures 

On By thewordbirdIn Flora and Fauna, General Information, News & Events

Our much-loved woodland attraction is evolving to support nature first

Ridlands Grove has long been a place of quiet enchantment, particularly for families drawn to the “animal houses” hidden among the trees. While many of the original structures have now been removed or not reinstated, visitors will still find a rare ancient woodland, rich in imagination and increasingly focused on supporting wildlife in a more natural and sustainable way.

Continue reading “The Changing Face of Ridlands Grove: A More Natural Approach to Homes for Woodland Creatures “ →

Meet India Davies our new National Trust Ranger for Limpsfield Common

On By thewordbirdIn News & Events


We’re delighted to welcome India Davies as the new National Trust Ranger for Limpsfield Common.

With a unique background blending cultural insight and engineering knowledge from her BASc at UCL, India brings both technical skill and creative problem-solving to caring for this special landscape.

Her experience spans conservation, education, and practical land management: from her recent role as Growing Together Project Officer with Surrey Hills National Landscape, to hands-on work as a groundsperson, gardener, and educator.

Skilled in everything from hedgelaying and biodiversity surveys to volunteer management and sustainable gardening, India combines practical know-how with a deep respect for heritage and ecology.

Passionate about gardening, local heritage, and community engagement, she is committed to preserving Limpsfield Common’s biodiversity while inspiring others to connect with the outdoors.

India’s been deep in training since she started with courses in tree felling and chainsaw competence now achieved (top of her class too!) Say hello if you spot her on the Chart and Common, particularly on Thursday mornings when she can be found working away with our wonderful Taskforce.

Reminder & Agenda – Friends of Limpsfield Common Annual Public Meeting – 27th September

On By thewordbirdIn Members' Updates, News & Events

A little reminder of our Annual Public Meeting, taking place this coming Saturday, 27th September 2025, at St Andrew’s Hall, from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Refreshments will be provided.

Please see the agenda below. We look forward to seeing you all there.

At the meeting, we’ll share updates from committee members, present highlights from the past year, and outline our plans for the year ahead.

We will also be introducing you to our new Ranger.

AGENDADownload

This is a great opportunity for the local community to:

  • Learn more about Limpsfield Common and the work we do
  • Ask questions and offer suggestions
  • Meet members of the Local (National Trust) Committee, National Trust representatives, and our fantastic volunteers
  • Find out how you can get involved

We look forward to welcoming you!

For any enquiries please email friendsoflimpsfieldcommon@gmail.com

Our agenda will be posted shortly.

Join the Big Butterfly Count 2025 on Limpsfield Common

On By thewordbirdIn Conservation, News & Events

From Friday,  18  July to Sunday,  10  August  2025, Butterfly Conservation’s Big  Butterfly  Count will once again turn tens of thousands of nature‑lovers into citizen‑scientists. By spending just 15 minutes counting butterflies (and day‑flying moths) on your favourite heath, common, woodland glade – or even in your own garden – you’ll create a vital snapshot of how these insects are faring across the UK.

Continue reading “Join the Big Butterfly Count 2025 on Limpsfield Common” →

Summer Wildlife at Limpsfield Common: Flora and Fauna to Spot

On By thewordbirdIn Flora and Fauna, News & Events

Tucked on the edge of the Surrey Hills National Landscape, our beautiful Limpsfield Common is a charming mix of ancient woodland and open heathland. Managed by the National Trust, it offers a haven for wildlife and a perfect escape for summer walkers and nature lovers alike. When you’re next out on a walk, why not see what species of plants and wildlife you can spot. Find our handy spotter sheets here.

Continue reading “Summer Wildlife at Limpsfield Common: Flora and Fauna to Spot” →