Support
The Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse is run by Project Oasis North Downs (POND), a voluntary organisation dedicated to running the historic barn as an eco-friendly hostel for walkers, cyclists and horseriders. Volunteers have done much of the work in restoring the barn and other people have contributed in many other ways, for which we are very grateful. Come and join us in promoting a greener and more sustainable lifestyle.
The day to day running of the bunkhouse is done on an entirely voluntary basis by a small group of very ordinary people. Please think of joining us, for as much or as little as you are able to do.
There are a number of roles that all need additional volunteers -
- Volunteer wardens - we give training and support to all our wardens. Their commitment is to spend from one to many nights at a time in the barn in the lovely village of Puttenham. We are planning to increase the number of wardens in the team so we can increase the number of nights that we open.
- Voluntary labour - ongoing work is needed to maintain the barn and its eco-friendly equipment.
- Administrative and knowledge skills - more help is needed in managing and running the project. We would very much welcome volunteers with hospitality, industry, technical, environmental, financial or administrative skills.
Feel you might have something to offer? Contact details are below - do it now!
We work also with the Do It (https://doit.life) organisation and Voluntary Action South West Surrey (https://app.betterimpact.com) and you can find more details of our opportunities there.
Newsletter
Feel welcome to download a copy of our praise-winning Spring 2025 (pdf, 2.6 MB), or our Autumn 2024 (pdf, 1.7 MB) newsletters.
The Surrey Hills AONB/National Landscapes project is an example of an organisation that has given us invaluable support in providing us with a publicity budget. We are very grateful to them.
If your organisation has similar ideals and would like to offer support, please do contact us.
Supporting us into the future
Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse costs a surprising amount to run, despite the fact that our core group of staff and our fantastic army of wardens are all volunteers. We have to pay for electricity, water and insurance, and carry out essential maintenance. Last year, for example, our combination oven failed and we had to buy a new one. Our income from visitors helps pay for all this, but what is difficult is to plan for the future. We have been lucky to have received wonderful donations from individuals and various bodies who recognise the value of what we are doing, but we are always looking to go further.
We would like to install multiple charging sockets for our visitors' electronic devices. We have detailed ideas on how to provide safe charging points if every visitor came with an electric bike. Our solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems are coming to the point after long use where they need significant maintenance. We would very much like to install efficient radiant heaters in the kitchen area to give an even cosier room for visitors to enjoy. These are typical examples of ideas for the future, and of course there are more.
There is so much pressure on family finances at the moment that many charities find donations are less than they once were. People feel understandably that they must plan for their old age and families first. This is where leaving a gift in your will can help. By leaving a certain percentage of your legacy to charitable causes, you can ensure that both families and society receive the benefit of your inheritance. Legacies up to a significant amount receive tax advantages too, meaning a gift in your will is worth more. A formally written will makes your wishes clear without ambiguity, and will give you peace of mind that your legacy will continue to fund what you find important.
We hope that you will consider supporting Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse in your will. Please do get in touch if you would like to talk about this further.
Contact details
POND welcomes your support. This project benefits countless people and a once-derelict barn is flourishing again. If you would like to offer some assistance with the project, please contact us via our coordinator Tish.
If you wish to join us, then please register as a supporter (our suggested donation is £6 per year, but we're happy to accept more). Please ask our coordinator Tish for further details and if you'd like a supporters' application form in the post.
Project Oasis North Downs is the name of the charity responsible for Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse, and is also a company limited by guarantee. Our registered address is: Flat 1, Chestnut House, 55 Cranley Road, Guildford GU1 2JW, United Kingdom. Our registered charity number is 1053871. Our phone 01483 811001 (+44 1483 811001) rings at the barn itself and is only answered if a warden is present.
Supporters
Project Oasis North Downs is grateful for the financial and other assistance given by many individuals and organisations in enabling the barn to be established, and in supporting its continuing operation:
- Awards For All
- Chapman Charitable Trust
- Countryside Agency (North Downs Way Project)
- Cycle Touring & Countryside Trust, now Cycling History and Educational Trust
- Cycling Projects Fund (DFT)
- Cycling UK - the UK's national cyclists' organisation
- DEFRA
- Friends of the Earth - Guildford and Waverley group
- Gatliff Trust
- Godalming Cycle Campaign
- Godalming Scouts and Guides
- Government of the South East (GOSE)
- Guildford Borough Council
- Long Distance Walkers Association (Surrey Branch)
- Rural Action for the Environment
- SITA Environmental Trust
- Surrey Historic Buildings Trust
- Surrey Hills AONB/National Landscapes
- Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel