The FOBH newsletter for Spring 2020 has been sent to all members and is now available on the website under Useful Documents.  Not surprisingly in these unusual times there is not a lot to report, but there is a summary of how NT are managing Box Hill during the lockdown.

Many of you can’t visit Box Hill but if you live close you may be able to see Box Hill in the distance and if you would like to take a photo of your view of Box Hill during the lock down please email it to us and we will publish it either on the website or through Instagram.

Some of our members have also been lucky enough to be able to take their daily exercise on Box Hill and have sent in their photos which we will also publish from time to time, including this lovely one of bluebells sent by NT’s Roger Grunsell.

The Autumn colours are still looking amazing on Box Hill.  Perhaps the extraordinary amount of rain is helping keep the leaves on the tree longer this year.  Whatever the reason, it’s still worth a visit.

“Let’s Go Fly a Harrier” – Chris Packham Pop Up Conservation event this Saturday 5th October at Box Hill.
Chris organises a series of Pop Up Conservation events to raise awareness of the loss of the birds and other wildlife in the UK.  For this event Chris will invite the public to come along and celebrate the Hen Harrier at Box Hill, one of the UK’s top ten kite flying spots. He will have available to buy 100 hand-made eco-friendly Hen Harrier kites. He will sell these at cost price of £4-5 (tbc) on a first come, first served basis.
People are asked to gather from 1pm when they can have lunch at the café and they can buy their kites at the café from 2pm. Kite flying to start at 2.30pm.
The Pop Up Conservation events are to remind people of the beauty of our wildlife, not to protest or campaign.
NT may livestream some of the talk by Chris and the kite flying if this is possible and the conditions are right. If the conditions are poor the kite flying may be cancelled.

Saturday 28 September, 7.00-8.30pm.
In this 50th anniversary year of the lunar landings, artist Mary Branson will be creating a moon purely with people and giant moon lanterns viewable from Salomons Memorial, Box Hill as night falls.
As the choreographed piece takes shape, poetry, singing and percussion will ring out from the hillside. Supporting this visual spectacle will be music performed by I Speak Music and UP! Orchestra members reflecting the cultural diversity of our communities in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which we all share. Come and watch or even join in the singing from community choirs led by Anna Tabbush.
Bring a torch!
The National Trust cafe will remain open throughout this event.
www.surreyhillsarts.org

For more information click here.

The relaunch of the Discovery Zone will be happening this weekend, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July, at Box Hill.  Staff and volunteers from NT and FOBH will be on hand at the Box Hill centre to chat with visitors and help explain the  new activities and displays in the Discovery Zone.  FOBH will also have their mobile displays up just outside the café (with our gazebo if the weather breaks and we get rain!).  Please come along to enjoy the facilities and find out more about Box Hill’s wonderful wildlife.