The new owner of 118 acres of Winterfold Forest is Mark Foster, a member of the Friends of the Hurtwood.

The Bray Estate decided to sell the land, which almost backs onto the Fosters home, in order to help fund the conversion of the redundant agricultural barns at High House. The barns are in the process of being converted into a prestigious suite of offices. The big barn was blessed by the Rector of Shere on June 28.

Sandy Foster said the family loved that piece of the Hurtwood. “It’s a walk we do and a run we do. It’s where our children learned to ride their bikes. We love it. It is a mix of pine and heathland and it is a protected area for birds like nightjars.

“We intend to leave it as it is”

Handa Bray and Naia Edwards said they were delighted that Mark Foster had bought the woodland. “The conversion of barns at High House Farm into offices will give them a new lease of life for generations to come,” said Handa. “We're delighted that the tenancy of the barns has gone to a local company, DNX of Albury - and we're especially glad that the woodland has been bought by Mark Foster, who has contributed so much to the local community, and supports the work of the Friends of the Hurtwood as wholeheartedly as we do.”

Mark is also chairman of the Governors of Peaslake School.