Punch Bowl receives protected crockery status
The Devil’s Punch Bowl has become part of a new National Nature Reserve in Surrey, after centuries of concern that somebody might arrive with an equally enormous ladle. Natural England has now stepped in before the punch situation becomes unmanageable.
The Wealden Heaths reserve includes heathland, woodland and rare wildlife. Sand lizards, nightjars and natterjack toads welcomed the protection through representatives who immediately disappeared beneath something sensible.
Geology beats gods on insurance paperwork
Local folklore links the landscape with the Devil and Thor. Natural England has chosen a less complicated explanation involving geology, habitats and paperwork that does not require liability insurance for gods.
“This is precious countryside,” said Susan Natterjack Smythe of Mythical Tableware. “Visitors may admire the bowl. They must not fill it with punch, olives or everyone’s coat keys.”
The site is the ninth reserve in the King’s Series. Consequently, it joins a growing collection of places where nature can thrive while humans follow a sign promising that the café is only another fourteen minutes.
The gift shop prepares for divine claims
The Devil’s Punch Bowl inspired writers including Tennyson and Conan Doyle. Modern visitors mainly compose detective stories about who packed the waterproofs and why they remain in the car.
At sunset, Thor asked for his deposit back. Rangers deducted the cost of three footpaths, one information board and a small amount for the gift shop.
The reserve will protect its habitats and species for the future. It will also protect the world from learning whether a supernatural punch bowl can hold enough cordial for a bank holiday weekend.
Read the real story: The government announcement on the Wealden Heaths reserve.
