Remembering Len Clark 1916 – 2019
This September also marks the first anniversary of the passing away of Len Clark, whose life-long dedication to the countryside is still warmly remembered at organisations such as Campaign for National Parks, the National Trust, the Open Spaces Society and the Youth Hostels Association. Together with Len’s sons Alastair, Stuart and Neil, these organisations (as well as the Guildford Samaritans, where Len too volunteered for over 30 years) are planning an autumn of remembrance at Len’s beloved Polesden Lacey in Surrey, a National Trust property near the South Downs National Park, and are warmly inviting people who remember Len to visit the site this autumn.
Two panels of information about Len have been placed next to the three benches at Polesden Lacey overlooking what the National Trust now call ‘Len’s View’. The view is of the charming valley in which a copper beech copse was planted in recognition of Len’s contribution to countryside conservation. The view also looks towards Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel – it was the Youth Hostel movement which gave Len his early countryside experiences. ‘Len’s View’ is about 15 minutes’ walk from the main house at Polesden Lacey and shown on a map that can be gained from the main house. The YHA are also enabling the siting of a bench at Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel overlooking Len's Copse.
At the café at Polesden Lacey you can also see a tapestry commissioned in Len’s memory by Sue Cassell, illustrating a walk across Oxfordshire and Wiltshire which Len once described in great detail to Sue.
The display boards and tapestry will be in situ at Polesden Lacey from 25 September until 24 December 2020. The property is currently open 7 days a week, but please do take account of government advice on keeping yourself and others safe while visiting. It is strongly advised to book in advance. Please note there is an admission fee for those who are not members of the National Trust.
The Godalming and Haslemere Ramblers have also unveiled a plaque in memory or Len on FP193a near Duns Farm, Chiddingfold, looking out towards Black Down. Len had rallied the group to support the fight to have the western Weald, including Black Down, within the designation of the South Downs National Park, and it is thanks to his insistence that the area was included within the boundaries of the National Park in 2009.
Kate Ashbrook's beautiful look on Len's long life here.
Our film celebrating the 70th anniversary of National Parks, including Len's interview, can be watched on YouTube here.
(Photo of Len courtesy of Alastair Clark)
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