XP (experience points) – XP isn’t just a number – it’s what keeps you going. It marks your progress, rewards your actions, and makes you feel like your character is growing with every quest, every fight, every choice. Experience is what makes you a hero.

And where best to get that experience than the Surrey Hills!

In early summer, Surrey Hills Arts invited young people into the landscape to explore nature in an exciting new way. The pilot project, Surrey Hills XP aimed to engage young people with nature through digital arts, develop their awareness of how nature can support their wellbeing, and raise their aspirations.

A nature wellbeing facilitator and three game designers worked collaboratively to engage the participants in nature-connection activities based on the five ways to wellbeing, whilst at the same time gamifying the landscape through narrative, risk, reward and feel-good interactions. The young people then spent two days at the University of Surrey’s Games Innovation Zone, where they fleshed out their game ideas inspired by their outdoor experiences at Holmbury Hill and Birtley Estate. They also got hands-on with computers, putting their creations into game engines. Evil geese, massive sand lizards, pirate frogs, invasions from Himalayan Balsam, hugging trees to gain power… So much adventure in the Surrey Hills!

The participants, who find accessing mainstream education a challenge, all gained AQA Unit accreditation, awarded by the Surrey Hills National Landscape. We are so proud of the young people’s commitment and achievement.

BA Game Design students from the university, Temi Ajao and Phoebe Fan (pictured), created fantastic digital artwork inspired by the game creations.

On Saturday 19th July, Box Hill was transformed into a living canvas as visitors gathered for the launch of Dawn After Night, Spring After Winter, an immersive game trail created by artists David Blandy and Daniel Locke. As part of the national Nature Calling programme, the event invited attendees on a sensory journey through the woods, blending storytelling, performance, and interactive art with the natural beauty of the Surrey Hills. The trail was brought to life with vibrant contributions from local artists, including a powerful live performance of Nature’s Anthem by writer and rap artist Still Shadey.

Throughout the day, participants of all ages engaged in hands-on activities such as collaborative journaling, exploring soundscapes by Freewheelers Theatre Company, and witnessing site-specific dance by Aaron Baksh, Tilly Woodward and Legacy Youth Zone. Sculptural works by Olana Light added a tactile dimension to the trail led by wonderful Surrey Hills Society volunteers, while a new soundtrack by Jack Kingslake deepened the immersive experience. The event also featured a performance which invited communities who may not feel confident in nature. As part of the wider Nature Calling mission to ensure that everyone can feel truly welcomed into the landscape, the event created a space where all could experience the magic of the trail in comfort, at their own pace, and without barriers.

Now open to the public, the Dawn After Night, Spring After Winter trail remains at the National Trust’s Box Hill for all to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, connection with nature, or a unique family outing, this interactive experience offers a fresh way to explore the landscape. Come and discover the trail for yourself—nature is calling.

Chairman of Surrey County Council Tim Hall said, “This project is a great way of showing off the wonderful Surrey Countryside and the Natural World, its opening up and involvement of children and families from the edges of London and across Surrey, is so impressive and gives lots of opportunities for everyone to use their imagination.”

Ali Clarke, Programme Manager, Surrey Hills Arts shared. “This inclusive, joyful and immersive event brought our communities together by inviting everyone to explore nature with fresh eyes and playful curiosity. It was a celebration of connection, creativity, and the stories we build when we open ourselves up to nature.”

Yesterday marked the 80th anniversary of the tragic crash of a B-17 Flying Fortress on Reigate Hill during World War Two. To commemorate this occasion, a series of memorial events took place on the date of the crash, in collaboration with the National Trust who now own the site.

The day began with a reception at The Royal Alexandra and Albert School, where we were joined by guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux. Attendees were given the opportunity to learn more about the history of the crash from military historian Tim Richardson, who spoke about the loss of the nine young Americans on board. The group was also able to view artefacts recovered from the crash site, deepening the connection to this significant moment in history.

The commemoration continued with a public memorial event on Reigate Hill, at the site where the B-17 came down in 1945. A service was held, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, including a wreath presented by US Air Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Dan Benson, and the Head Boy and Head Girl of The Royal Alexandra and Albert school. This occasion took place next to the Inspiring Views Wing Tips monument, which was unveiled during the 70th anniversary commemorations and now stands as a lasting tribute to those who perished.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, shared these words:

“We were privileged to be in the presence of US Air Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Benson, which was a powerful testament to our shared history as we remembered the nine young US crew that were tragically lost. The presence of our cadets and scouts at the ceremony brought a sense of reverence and the passing on of history from one generation to the next.”

The story of the crash is well-known in the local community. On the evening of 19 March 1945, at around 5:40pm, a B-17 Flying Fortress of the 384th Bombardment Group, 8th USAAF, was returning to its base at Grafton Underwood, Northamptonshire, after a mission near the German Czech border. Low clouds covered the southeast of England that evening and as the aircraft flew low over Reigate, eyewitnesses recall seeing it flying over the town. Out of formation, and flying alone, the aircraft carrying tail number 43-39035 struck the side of Reigate Hill with the loss of all nine crew.

The Wing Tips memorial is set just west of Reigate Fort along the North Downs Way and is passed by many walkers each day, serving as both a reminder of the past and a symbol of remembrance. Created by sculptor Roger Day, the Wing Tips are made from ancient Surrey oak and replicate the dimensions of the wingspan of a Flying Fortress. Look closely and you’ll see rivets and panels carved into the wood.

Councillor Eddy Humphreys, Mayor of the Borough of Reigate & Banstead said.

“For the people of Reigate, the Wing Tips memorial on the North Downs Way has become a much-loved feature by which to honour those brave young men and to reflect on the importance of preserving our local history. As we approach Surrey Day in May, with its World War II theme, we are reminded of the resilience and sacrifices made by those who came before us.”

This year’s commemoration marks a milestone of 80 years, but the impact of this event and the memories of these young men continue to resonate in the community. With thanks to the Surrey Hills Trust Fund and Community Foundation for Surrey who provided funding for this event.

The Surrey Hills National Landscape is one of six ‘hub’ locations for the national Nature Calling programme, an ambitious initiative designed to connect communities with England’s National Landscapes through the power of art.  

Today, Surrey Hills Arts proudly launches Nature’s Anthem – A Journey through the Surrey Hills by Still Shadey, a MOBO Award-winning artist. His captivating work draws on heartfelt conversations with New Addington residents about their experiences of nature, as well as Shadey’s visits to the Surrey Hills. Combining stories of childhood, community trauma, and healing, the piece delivers a profound message of hope and inspiration.   

Commissioned under the Arts Council England and Defra-funded Nature Calling initiative, Still Shadey’s work exemplifies the programme’s mission to co-create art that resonates with local communities and gives a platform for voices who may not traditionally focus on themes of nature and landscape.   

“Working on the Nature Calling project has been transformational. It’s been a recent desire of mine to tell stories beyond my own. Being able to experience the Surrey Hills from a writer’s perspective has been therapeutic and energising for me. I look forward to the rollout of this amazing project and am deeply proud of the piece that I was able to create,” said Still Shadey.   

The result is a poetic rap, capturing the essence of the Surrey Hills. Filmed at Box Hill, a site integral to his creative process, the performance showcases the landscape’s profound influence on his work. Watch the performance and learn more.

Nature’s Anthem is part of the first phase of a bold national season of art, set to run from May to October 2025. Co-created with local communities, the programme will celebrate England’s 34 National Landscapes, bringing together art, poetry, and music inspired by some of the country’s most iconic locations.   

Joining Still Shadey, the National Landscapes Association is today releasing new work by BBC 6 Music favourite, Manchester’s OneDa, Dorset based poet and author Louisa Adjoa Parker, up and coming poet Ayesha Chouglay and poet, educator and proud Lutonian Lee Nelson. 

These remarkable places are uniting under the Nature Calling initiative to inspire communities across the nation. With opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and connection, this ambitious programme will engage audiences of tens of thousands.   

John Watkins, Chief Executive of the National Landscapes Association said: 

“I’m thrilled with the quality and range of written and spoken pieces we’re releasing today as part of the Nature Calling programme. The pieces are incredibly poignant, they are moving and meaningful and beautifully conjure up what the writers felt and thought whilst in a National Landscape. Our aim, through Nature Calling is to support people from all walks of life to find new ways to connect with their National Landscapes on their terms – either for the first or the thousandth time – to discover and share their unique connection. There is truly something for everyone amongst these pieces.” 

Coordinated by the National Landscapes Association and produced by Dorset-based Activate Performing Arts, the Nature Calling programme is fostering connections across England. Key partners include the Poetry School and other National Landscapes hubs such as the Chilterns, Dorset, Forest of Bowland, Lincolnshire Wolds, and Surrey Hills.  

For more information on how to get involved, visit the Nature Calling website.