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Supporter groups in Surrey

Visitors, wearing hard hats, on a tour of the cellars at Hatchlands Park, Surrey
A tour of the cellars at Hatchlands Park, Surrey | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Interested in making the most of the National Trust near you in Surrey? Join your local supporter group to enjoy special interest talks, visits, holidays and other social and fundraising events or hands-on conservation activities. There are three different groups you could join in Wiltshire. Read on to find your nearest group or click on a supporter group’s name in the menu to jump to their details.

Why join a supporter group?

Getting together with other National Trust enthusiasts, members and volunteers who feel passionate about the same things is priceless. Sharing unique experiences and finding out more about the places you care about is what being part of a local National Trust supporter group is all about.

From listening to expert talks and going on behind-the-scenes tours to taking relaxing holidays or restoring natural habitats in the great outdoors, you’ll be part of something amazing. Supporter groups promote and assist the National Trust’s work within their local area and raise money for conservation and development projects through all kinds of events.

Black Down and Hindhead Supporters

The Black Down and Hindhead Supporters are an advisory and fundraising group for:

  • Black Down
  • Marley
  • Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl
  • The Golden Valley
  • Swan Barn Farm
  • Plus a number of smaller sites around Haslemere and Hindhead.

The group is run by a committee which meets regularly with local National Trust staff to discuss all aspects of management plans, current and future projects, as well as local issues.

Funds are raised by supporters' subscriptions, local donations and by the sale of maps, guides and cards. These are spent on specific improvement projects beyond the scope of the Trust’s operating budget and agreed with the National Trust.

The Supporters aim to ensure projects benefit nature conservation whenever possible. They publish regular newsletters sent to all members and hold at least one open meeting annually, with invited guests speaking on environmental and natural history subjects.

A bench overlooking a pond, surrounded by green trees on a sunny day at Holmwood Common in Surrey
Holmwood Common in Surrey | © National Trust Images/Gary Coshan

Friends of Holmwood Common

The Friends of Holmwood Common was founded in 2000 and welcomes anyone who values the Common and enjoys its woodland and open spaces. The group has close links with the Common and plays an important role in supporting the work of the National Trust.

The committee is elected by members to reflect and represent their interests and they aim to represent the community in responding to local issues that may affect the Common.

Friends of Bookham Commons

The Friends of Bookham Commons has been around for over 25 years and raises money to support the preservation of wildlife on the Commons as well as enhances the enjoyment of the landscape for local people and visitors, alike.

Over the years, with the aid of fundraising, the Friends have provided wooden benches, information boards, a map, restored ponds, user-friendly bridges, volunteer tools, a stunning boardwalk over a marsh and a new bird hide on Upper East Pond.

Friends of Headley Heath

The Friends of Headley Heath is an independent charity that supports the work of The National Trust at Headley Heath in Surrey.

The group has two main objectives: to raise funds for the upkeep of the heath and to support the Friday workgroup, who provide physical labour to assist the members of staff on the heath.

Anyone who lives in the area is welcome as a member. The Friends produce newsletters and lead walks and more, for the benefit of members.

South East Surrey Association

Members from the Reigate, Redhill, Horley and surrounding areas are welcome to join the South East Surrey Association that was founded in 1981.

West Surrey Centre

West Surrey Centre covers a wide catchment area of West Surrey, roughly bounded by Farnham, Leatherhead, Cranleigh and Godalming. It includes the towns of Guildford, Woking, Farnborough and Aldershot. The West Surrey Centre is run autonomously by a management committee who coordinate the business of the Centre and produces a comprehensive programme of events along with a thrice-yearly newsletter.

West Surrey National Trust Conservation Volunteers

Founded in 1981, the West Surrey National Trust Conservation Volunteers carries out about 360 hours of conservation volunteering on behalf of the National Trust each year, with volunteer parties organised approximately once a month, on Sundays.

The region covered extends from Headley Heath in the East of Surrey to Frensham ponds in the West, with the odd foray further afield. The tasks they undertake include downland, heathland and woodland clearance, footpath maintenance, pond clearing and fencing.

South East Surrey Association

Members from the Reigate, Redhill, Horley and surrounding areas are welcome to join the South East Surrey Association that was founded in 1981.

Friends of Box Hill

With members drawn from a wide area of London and Surrey, the Friends of Box Hill was founded in 1964 and is an independent association affiliated with the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Guided walks around Clent Hills in partnership with Cotswold Outdoors, Worcestershire

All about supporter groups

Find more information on supporter groups and up-to-date contact details for each group.