On Saturday November 5th a roaring bonfire warmed the 16 Chaldon residents, friends, relatives and a dog led by a team of National Trust Rangers as they took on the task of coppicing the woodland at the western end of Six Brothers Field.

The seven acre field was given to the National Trust in 1926 in memory of the six brothers of the Harman family to ensure that the residents of Chaldon would always be able to enjoy fresh air and exercise. They certainly did this as they lopped and sawed and dragged boughs of laurel, hazel and holly to the flames putting to one side sound logs for future winter burning.

Mark Richards NT ranger for the area of the Surrey Hills said that the Trust was greatly impressed by the way in which the Six Brothers Field Management Committee under the enthusiastic Chairmanship of Pat Johnson had shown their commitment to the new strategy of 'going local' and getting outdoors and closer to nature. Involving communities in helping to look after the countryside was one of the principle aims of the Trust.

The Six Brothers Field volunteers would agree that getting involved with countryside activities brings its own rewards. They had enjoyed a morning of healthy vigorous exercise, good company and quality refreshments, and acquired loads of good logs to boot. As for the woodland- what a difference! A third of the dense undergrowth had been cleared leaving an area of light shade which will encourage bluebells and wood anemones beneath the new fresh hazel that will grow back come the Spring.

Another working party is planned for January/February 2012 . If you would like to get involved please give your details to Pat Johnson e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.