Yesterday (9th July 2025), the Surrey Hills team had the pleasure of welcoming colleagues from the UK’s Protected Landscapes to share and learn about our work on conserving and enhancing the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
The annual National Landscapes Conference titled ‘Fit for the Future?’ began with our very own Communications Lead, Emma Cole giving the welcoming address at the University of Winchester before our colleagues and partners, including the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Nature, Mary Creagh. Emma embedded some comms-creativity into her welcome, where she introduced the five host National Landscapes as cake with the help of some creative writing and AI constructed visuals (can you guess which is which?)!
(Our host National Landscapes were the Surrey Hills, North Wessex Downs, Chichester Harbour, Cranborne Chase, and the Isle of Wight).
The first trip set out from Newlands Corner, where they marvelled at the ancient 1,000-year-old yew trees and soaked in the breath-taking views to learn about the management of the chalk grasslands with Butterfly Conservation. The walk along the North Downs Way National Trail included the Surrey Hills Arts Optohedron sculpture before visiting the Nature Trail at Albury Vineyard. Silent Pool Distillers and Mandira’s Kitchen showcased our Surrey Hills Enterprises vibrant community spirit and the dedication of our local businesses to promoting the landscape and rural economy.
In the afternoon, at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Saxon church in Albury Park, participants connected with the ancient oak trees, lovingly cared for through a Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes grant to provide innovative and specialised treatments to the veteran trees, to help mitigate the impacts of climate change, air pollution and visitor pressure. Guests also got creative with the Surrey Hills Society’s Growing Together project, adding a touch of artistry to their day.
(In order) 1. 1,000 year old yew trees at Newlands Corner, 2. Hearing from Butterfly Conservation about the chalk grassland, 3. Silent Pool
(In order) 1. Silent Pool Gin Distillery hearing how local businesses are inspired to protect the landscape 2. St Peter and St Paul’s Saxon Church
(In order) 1. Creative activity with our Growing Together Lottery project 2. Group photo at Albury Organic Vineyard
Meanwhile, the second group embarked on a journey around the newly declared National Nature Reserve Wealden Heaths, a recent accolade by Natural England. They explored the improved access provision across multiple sites, including the enchanting Devil’s Punch Bowl. The highlight was a visit to Britain’s Favourite Path, the Thursley boardwalk, followed by a delightful lunch at the Rural Life Living Museum. After hearing about amazing work done by Surrey Wildlife Trust, the tour continued with a look at this year’s Surrey Hills Arts Heathland Artworks trail at RSPB Farnham Heath.
The grand finale took place at Pierrepont Farm, a hub of agricultural heritage and small businesses. Guests enjoyed the new easier access path Along the Wey, rounding off a day filled with discovery and inspiration.
(In order) 1. Devil’s Punch Bowl 2. Thursley
(In order) 1. Lunch at Rural Life Living Museum 2. Grazing cows at RSPB Farnham Heath
(In order) 1. Taking a break at the Heathland Artworks trail 2. Group photo at Pierrepont Farm
Reflecting on the event, Chair of the Surrey Hills National Landscape, Kathy Atkinson said.
“We loved having the opportunity to showcase the Surrey Hills to our friends and colleagues. This conference brings perspective both to our purpose within the national network of protected landscapes and to how important our work, and that of our partners, is locally and within a national context”
The conference was a true celebration of community, conservation, and the beauty of the Surrey Hills, leaving everyone inspired and motivated to continue their vital work.
With thanks to our partners who helped host these events – National Trust, RSPB, Albury Estate, TreEcosystems, Butterfly Conservation, Surrey Countryside Estate, Albury Organic Vineyard, Mandira’s Kitchen, Silent Pool Distillers, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT), Rural Life Living Museum, Natural England, Surrey County Council.