Happy 21st Birthday to us!
2017 is the 26th anniversary of Blanchman's Farm Local Nature Reserve. In 1991 the site was firstly made into a community wildlife area before adopting its official status as a Local Nature Reserve. A lot has changed in 26 years!
Bugs, Bats and Birthday Cake...
A party was held in 2012 to celebrate our 21st anniversary and a fun afternoon was had by all - there was pond dipping, bug hunts and guided tours around the site. In the evening more than 30 people stayed on site to take part in the Bat Walk led by Malcolm Jennings using a bat detector.
There were also displays during the afternoon showing how the site has developed over the 21 years with 'then' and 'now' pictures showing the widespread tree planting, restoration of the pond, improved access and the Community Orchard planted just last year.
There were also displays during the afternoon showing how the site has developed over the 21 years with 'then' and 'now' pictures showing the widespread tree planting, restoration of the pond, improved access and the Community Orchard planted just last year.
Leader of Surrey County Council Cllr David Hodge and Cllr Sakina Bradbury, Chairman of Tandridge District Council, both attended and spoke in support of the work done by the Management Committee and the volunteers to provide such an important outdoor space that everyone can enjoy. Alec Baxter-Brown also spoke describing how the Downlands Project provides expertise to help maintain the site. Then there was time for tea and cake.
Many thanks go to organisers and helpers for making the event such fun. Also, thanks to Graham Kenward of the Downlands Project for sharing these lovely photos with us. Here's to the next 26 years.
