Category: Board

Surrey Hills Signs Offer New Welcome

Posted on | by Emma

New Surrey Hills National Landscape highways signs are on their way. They have been funded by Defra to raise the profile of the Surrey Hills change in status to a National Landscape since its designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958.

Inspired by our neighbouring National Park, the South Downs, these Corten-steel signs are the creative spark of Surrey Hills Enterprises award winning young entrepreneur Jack from JK Forges, Stark and Greensmith and the Surrey Youth Opportunities team.

Jack’s workshop near Godalming has been buzzing with young people learning the art of blacksmithing and soaking up the countryside. The Youth Opportunities team gives young people meaningful work and a fresh start with new skills.

The signs feature an acorn seedpod—the Surrey Hills logo designed by sculptor Walter Bailey—that symbolises growth and resilience. They will replace the old Surrey Hills signs with Corten steel so they will be a legacy for the next 75 years, weathering beautifully over time, just like the landscape they represent.

Rob Fairbanks, Director of the Surrey Hills National Landscape said. “Thank you to everyone involved in bringing these signs to life, and to colleagues at Surrey County Council for their support, including their Chairman Tim Hall who unveiled the first sign on site.”

Come and see the signs at the Surrey Hills Wood Fair on 13th and 14th September. Jack and our contractor, Andy Wright, Conservation and Access, will be at the Wood Fair as an opportunity to get up close to the signs and discover where they may appear near you.

Surrey Hills wows colleagues at National Landscapes Conference

Posted on | by Emma

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.

Heathland

New National Nature Reserve launches

Posted on | by Emma

Home of ‘Devil’s Punchbowl’ to become new national reserve

•              Sand lizards, nightjars and natterjack toads are among the litany of species that people can enjoy at new Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve in Surrey

•           Nature reserve declared at the landscape that inspired the likes of Tennyson and Conan Doyle, as well as its folkloric origins as the home of Thor.

•           This marks the 9th National Nature Reserve to launch as part of the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves, which will see 25 reserves created or extended by 2027

A landscape in Surrey beloved by lizards and literary greats and home to an area known as the Devil’s Punch bowl, is to become the latest National Nature Reserve.

The Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve, in the heart of the Surrey countryside and on the doorsteps of more than a quarter of a million people, has today (Friday 27th June) been declared by Natural England the 9th National Nature Reserve in the King’s Series.

The reserve is a has secured its status as a haven for wildlife, ensuring that it can provide a home for rare species such as nightjars, sand lizards, adders and natterjack toads into the future and an area of 2,765ha of greenspace accessible by hundreds of thousands of people.

Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve stretches across an area around three times that of Richmond Park, boasting a rich mix of open dry and wet heath, acidic grassland, regenerating woodland, and scrubby heath.

Heathland habitats are incredibly important for a range of species, and popular with walkers, cyclists and riders. However, heathlands in England have declined by around 80% in the last two centuries, making this declaration vitally important for the survival of these precious places.

The exceptional nature on display in this area, alongside its easy connections with London mean it already sees thousands of visitors each year, and its declaration as a National Nature Reserve means that future generations will continue to be able to connect with nature in the idyllic surroundings of the reserve. The reserve also includes a nature friendly farmed estate, adding to its potential to boost the local economy along with visitor spend.

 

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: 

“Britain is a nation of nature lovers – proud of our iconic landscapes and charismatic wildlife.

“This new reserve offers wonderful opportunities for people to experience the outdoors and spot rare wildlife in a place which has been a source of cultural inspiration for centuries.

“This Government is committed to turning the tide on nature’s decline after years of neglect. New National Nature Reserves deliver on our promise to improve access to nature and protect nature-rich habitats, as well as boosting the local economy in line with our Plan for Change.”

 

Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England said:  

“The beautiful atmospheric landscape has had a huge influence in culture over the centuries, from folklore to poetry. Its new status as a National Nature Reserve will ensure future generations continue to be inspired

“There is a wealth of species here, many of which are very rare, and efforts to maintain the vital habitats in this area will help these plants and animals to thrive again. Its network of tracks – including “Britain’s Favourite Path” – mean it is already incredibly popular with local people and visitors from nearby London, offering a much needed vast open space for everybody to enjoy the connection with nature we all need.”

Rob Fairbanks, Director of the Surrey Hills National Landscape said:

“I am thrilled to see the launch of the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve.  This is a transformative designation to create a bigger, better, and more joined up approach to heathland restoration within the Surrey Hills National Landscape.

“This milestone is a testament to the robust partnership driving it, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Natural England for empowering us to address the biodiversity crisis and a flourishing future for our rare and rich heathland habitats.”

 

This landscape is also widely known as the home of The Devil’s Punchbowl, a dramatic natural amphitheatre in the heathlands near Hindhead which is steeped in legend. It is said to have been formed when the Devil scooped up earth to throw at Thor, which some say is how the nearby area of Thursley got its name.  

The area has provided inspiration to a range of literary greats through the years, from Alfred Lord Tennyson to Arthur Conan Dayle. The reserve is home to Waggoners Well, where Tennyson wrote ‘Flower in the Crannied Wall’, which reflects on the connection between nature, humans, and the divine. 

The area has retained its popularity and is still a destination for nature lovers, boasting the Thursley Common Boardwalk, which has been named ‘Britain’s Favourite Path’ by the Ramblers Association. This declaration will mean that this bustling area of nature just 45 minutes away from London will be managed and accessible for years to come.

This area has already benefitted from the Heathland Connections Nature Recovery Project, which provided funding from Defra and Natural England. It is an ambitious project working with partners , included wildlife charities and private landowners to enhance, restore and connect the special habitats found in the western most section of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.

This new reserve is a collaboration between nine partners; Natural England, RSPB, National Trust, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Hampton Estate (private farming estate), Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, Waverley Borough Council, Surrey County Council and Forestry England, with further support from the Surrey Hills National Landscape. 

The launch of the new National Nature Reserve directly supports the government’s commitment to restore and protect our natural world by expanding nature-rich habitats where people can explore and wildlife can thrive.  

This is the 9th reserve to be launched as part of the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves, which will leave a lasting public legacy for people and nature by creating or extending 25 National Nature Reserves by 2027. 

Surrey Connect Opens the Door to the Surrey Hills

Posted on | by Emma

The Surrey Hills National Landscape has just got easier to escape to, thanks to the expanded Surrey connect on-demand bus service, which links Dorking railway station to Leith Hill Place. As we approach Community Rail week from 19 May in the backdrop of the railway’s 200th anniversary in Britain, this is the perfect opportunity to discover the great outdoors by rail and bus.

When arriving by train at Dorking Deepdene or Dorking Main, just 30 minutes from central London, you can use Surrey County Council’s Surrey connect service to explore the breathtaking heritage sites of the Surrey Hills, including the National Trust’s Leith Hill Place. Leith Hill Place holds a rich history linked to Charles Darwin, Caroline Wedgewood, and the great composer Ralph Vaughan Williams” to add in “the great composers Ralph Vaughan Williams and Hans Zimmer. It now hosts exhibitions to celebrate the power of nature, and a fantastic programme of events.

But that’s not all – to commemorate this win for sustainable travel and nature exploration, a stunning new railway poster was unveiled, created by artist Diana Croft in collaboration with the Community Rail Partnership. The poster showcases the beauty of Surrey Hills, encouraging travellers to take the scenic railway route and discover all that this natural wonderland has to offer.

Rob Fairbanks, Director of the Surrey Hills National Landscape said.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the National Trust, railway service providers, and Surrey County Council to connect our National Landscape by rail. Public transport is an essential gateway to the countryside, and by enhancing these services, we can foster a deeper appreciation for nature while combating climate change. We’re grateful to the Community Rail Partnership for making projects like this possible, turning rail journeys into immersive experiences. Additionally, we’ve collaborated to improve easier access across the landscape, including at locations like Leith Hill Place, where funding from our Access for All fund has helped improve access to the viewpoint and parking.”

Catherine McCusker, Visitor Operations and Experiences Manager, National Trust Surrey Hills East said.

“The best thing about Leith Hill Place is its magnificent location; its surrounding countryside, walks and breathtaking views.  It is the best place to take a moment and feel inspiration filling your soul.  The biggest problem though, is that it is hard to get to without a car.   This campaign is like an answer to prayer: – rail to e-bus to Leith Hill Place = hallelulah! Environmentally and in terms of reaching more of the nation, for whom this place was gifted, this is superb”

 

Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth at Surrey County Council said

“I’m delighted we have again expanded our popular Surrey Connect service which will enable visitors to Leith Hill Place and to the countryside travel sustainably, and at a time convenient to them. Our service is already running in many areas across Surrey where traditional bus services are limited, and adding this additional stop will improve accessibility and reduce the number of cars travelling to one of Surrey’s most popular green spaces”.

 

For those who prefer to have all their adventure details at their fingertips, the Rail to Ramble routes are now available in a handy new walk guide. Pick one up at local tourist information centres and railway stations, and you’ll be ready to hit the trails, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer.

Booking your ride is a breeze! Visit surreyconnect.org.uk and choose the ‘Central South’ territory, then select Dorking Deepdene (entrance 2) or Dorking Main Station (stop 2) to Leith Hill Place. Book your bus from 7 days to 30 minutes in advance of travel (Mon-Sat). The National Trust’s Leith Hill Place is open every weekend and bank holiday April – October.

Book your ride here – Book a ride | Surrey Connect

Find walks by rail in the Surrey Hills – Rail to Ramble routes – Surrey Hills National Landscape

Love Dogs, Love Nature in the Surrey Hills

Posted on | by Emma

Nature’s recovery is taking priority in the Surrey Hills National Landscape through a new project, Love Dogs, Love Nature, which empowers responsible dog ownership to enjoy our outstanding countryside whilst safeguarding farming and sensitive habitats.   

Dog ownership across the UK has surged, with figures from Dogs Trust estimating as many as 13 million dogs now call the UK home. In Surrey, the rise in canine companions has been particularly significant, as more people turn to dogs for exercise, companionship, and mental wellbeing.  

However, with this increase in dog ownership come challenges that need to be addressed. Disturbances from dogs have a negative impact on wildlife and the natural environment, slowing recovery efforts in sensitive ecosystems. Dogs also pose major risks to farming communities, as livestock can be threatened by uncontrolled canine behaviour, and dog waste can contribute to infertility in livestock and environmental pollution. 

The Surrey Hills National Landscape has partnered with the University of Surrey, Surrey Nature Partnership, landowners, farmers, and various local stakeholders to develop a programme of practical and promotional initiatives that foster a healthy balance between enjoying the natural environment and ensuring its preservation. As more people take their dogs out into the countryside, it’s an opportunity to engage with the environment, learn about wildlife, and promote conservation efforts. This work will help develop the Surrey Hills Management Plan vision and policies to ensure that the Surrey Hills is a thriving place for people and nature over the next 75 years. 

 

Marisa Heath, Cabinet Member for Environment said. 

“As a dog owner and as someone who runs the Canine and Feline Sector Group which advises Government, I understand only too well how important dogs are to so many people. We are a nation of dog lovers and certainly Surrey is a county of dog lovers. However, it does not come without its problems, especially the threat that some behaviours bring to our wildlife and farming communities. In 2024 Surrey County Council produced its dog code of conduct, and this project can help continue the progress the code has made. The countryside belongs to everyone, we are all equally responsible and any interventions must be balanced, clear and achievable. I think this work can really make a difference and ensure we can remain a county of dog lovers and enable nature to return and farming to continue.” 

 

Professor Richard Murphy, Chair of Surrey Nature Partnership said. 

“We recognise the importance of dogs to people and how they encourage their owners to get out and about in their local green space and further afield.  We are also aware that dogs can have an impact on wildlife, particularly ground nesting birds and small mammals and on livestock such as sheep and cattle.  We are therefore keen to work with our partners and dog owners to raise awareness of the negative impacts, support responsible dog ownership and the use of green and natural spaces” 

 

Dr Tom Roberts, Institute for Sustainability, University of Surrey commented. 

“Dog walking is a fantastic way for people to stay fit, manage their mental health and engage with nature. But as the dog population grows it is essential that it is managed carefully to ensure dog walking doesn’t undermine the natural environment people are seeking to enjoy and the vital process of nature recovery. By engaging and playing with their dogs while out and about, responsible dog owners can remain aware of what the dog is doing and where it is going, minimising the impact on the environment and enhancing the experience for both the dog and the owner.” 

As more dog owners engage with these initiatives, they can help ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the beauty of the Surrey Hills, with nature and dogs coexisting in harmony. Responsible dog ownership, after all, is key to preserving the very spaces we love to explore with our furry friends. 

Emley award

Historic Barn Restoration in the Surrey Hills Receives Commendation

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Historic Barn Restoration in the Surrey Hills Receives Commendation at Surrey Historical Buildings Trust Awards

A recent restoration project at Emley Farm, near Bowlhead Green in the Surrey Hills National Landscape, has been awarded as highly commended at the Surrey Historical Buildings Trust Awards. The National Trust, in collaboration with local partners, successfully applied to the Surrey Hills Historic Buildings Restoration Grant (HBRG), a fund dedicated to preserving buildings under the ‘Place’ theme of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme.

Emley Farm, a stunning site with a rich history, is home to several Grade II listed buildings, including a 16th/17th-century farmhouse, a late 17th-century threshing barn, a late 18th-century granary, and more. These buildings, which have remained largely unaltered since the introduction of modern farming techniques, represent a rare example of traditional large farmsteads within the Surrey Hills.

The funding was used to restore the external envelope of these ‘at risk’ barns, preventing water damage, safeguarding original materials, and ensuring the structural stability of the buildings. Views of the restoration works can be enjoyed from the public footpaths which pass through the farmyard in this beautiful setting, allowing visitors to safely enjoy the site.

Stephanie Fudge, General Manager at the National Trust Surrey Hills expressed the farm’s historic value and ecological importance.

“On a moonlit evening Emley appears like Brigadoon, a place beyond time and reality. The farm complex is an important refuge for rare wildlife such as resident Barn Owls and roosting bats. The barns form part of an ecosystem which includes two veteran 500-year-old Sessile oaks adjacent to the barns. The owls use both the barns and the trees to watch and to hunt prey in the rough grassland paddocks which surround the buildings… The work will provide a visual backdrop to how we share the story of Emley with visitors and explore the history of the landscape here as well as changing farming practices that have changed the focus of many farms across Surrey. Emley survives as an historic time capsule, and this work will allow people to experience this on various levels rather than just through surveys and old photos… The restoration will ensure that these important rare vernacular relics will not be lost, and they will continue to play their part in the rich social historical tapestry of the Surrey rural landscape.”

 

The meticulous restoration efforts, overseen by National Trust Building Surveyors and supported by the Blackdown & Hindhead Supporters Group, uncovered extensive rot within many of the old timbers. However, the team found an innovative solution: oak wood from Emley Farm itself, felled during the Great Storm of 1987. This local material was used to restore the barns, making them stronger than ever.

With the restoration now complete, plans for the next phase of the project are underway, ensuring that Emley Farm remains a treasured site for both its historical significance and its role in preserving local wildlife.

 

Sarah Thiele, Programme Manager at the Surrey Hills National Landscape said.

“This project exemplifies the successful blending of heritage preservation with wildlife conservation, ensuring that Emley Farm barns continue to serve as a sanctuary for Barn Owls, roosting bats, and the surrounding natural ecosystem. This restoration not only preserves the physical structures but also enriches the cultural and environmental story of the Surrey Hills, ensuring future generations will be able to experience and understand the layers of agricultural history that this landscape holds.”

Emley award

Discover the project here.

Management Plan launch

A 75-Year Vision for a Thriving Place for Nature and People

Posted on | by Emma

The consultation for the Surrey Hills Management Plan draft has arrived. It offers a bold 75-year vision for a thriving future where both nature and people can flourish, and a policy framework for 2025-2030.

The consultation was launched by Professor Richard Murphy, Chair of Surrey Nature Partnership, at the Biodiversity and Planning Conference in Dorking on Tuesday 25 March.  This is an opportunity for individuals and organisations to help shape the future of the Surrey Hills as a National Landscape. The consultation closes on Friday, 6 June.

Shaped by the insights from 200 Postcards from the Future and over 1,000 survey responses, the draft policy framework reflects our shared priorities for the region.

Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills National Landscape, stated

“Thank you to you if you were one of over a thousand people who took part in the Postcards from the Future campaign or if you responded to our Shaping the Future survey. This new plan comes at a critical moment for the Surrey Hills, in the context of major influences including of course climate change, biodiversity loss and planning reform. Please do comment on the draft Management Plan policy areas that matter most to you. This is a plan for all of us who care about the Surrey Hills, and it will guide the long-term management for those who have a legal responsibility to care for this incredible area.”

Joining forces to prevent illegal access by off-road motorised vehicles

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Joining forces to prevent illegal access by off-road motorised vehicles and to create space for nature

In a bid to preserve wildlife and stop anti-social behaviour, volunteers, residents and the off-road driving community have come together to block off motorised vehicles damaging the Surrey Hills, and in a win for nature have created new habitat for wildlife.

The Drove Road at Ranmore Common is an ancient track on the Wotton Estate which cattle and other livestock would have been guided along on their way to market. After World War II it became an off-road, known as a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT).

In recent years it has attracted a small group of criminals who routinely bash their way through the ancient hedge-line to tear up the sensitive woodland beyond and disrupt wildlife and residents in 4x4s and off-road motorbikes.

United by their love for nature, eight responsible members of the off-road driving community joined Surrey Choices, the person-centered support group for disabled, autistic and neurodivergent people, and charity Surrey Hills Society to create a series of natural barriers that also provide a habitat for birds, small mammals and insects.

 

Called “dead hedges”, these barriers are ideal hiding spaces for nesting animals and are a teeming eco-system for insects and other animals essential for healthy natural spaces. The dead hedges are built around a series of stakes gathered from the woodland floor, which are woven together with branches and other woodland matter.

 

In addition to being a home for animals, this green wall discourages people from going into other sensitive areas.

James Cohen, Chair of the South London & Surrey Trail Riders Fellowship, a group of responsible motorcycle trail riders said:

“Surrey’s network of byways are a fantastic way to enjoy the countryside – heading off them on to private land causing wanton destruction is illegal and tantamount to  environmental vandalism. This minority of irresponsible individuals’ actions threatens our landscapes, creates problems for the entire nature loving community. It undermines the very essence of shared stewardship.”

 

Through the dead hedging, Surrey Hills National Landscape aims to return this part of the woodland, back to a safe space for nature and rare woodland animals, such as the dormouse.

 

Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills National Landscape Director said:

“The Surrey Hills is a welcome space for everyone who respects and gives back to the natural environment. It is not a space for thrill seekers, who care nothing for the devastation they do to nature, the distress they cause for residents and damage to landowners’ property.

Through the fantastic work led by Surrey Choices, and supported by Surrey Hills Society, members of the Trail Riders Fellowship and Green Lanes Association, we want to send a message that the Surrey Hills is a place for people to enjoy and nature to thrive.  

It’s inspiring to see volunteers working not just to prevent harm, but also to preserve and enhance our wild places. No matter the activity, it should never come at the expense of nature’s delicate balance, as illegal actions that harm the land are not only wrong—they rob us of the very beauty we seek to enjoy.”

 

The Wotton Estate commented.

“The Wotton Estate is committed to supporting the efforts of the Council, National Landscape and other stakeholder groups who are dedicated to stopping the damage being caused by a minority of users who do not respect or care for the habitat they are harming”

 

To volunteer in the Surrey Hills visit: Volunteer – Surrey Hills National Landscape

summer lightening

Summer Lightning update

Posted on | by Emma

Forestry England, the National Trust, Wotton Estate, and Surrey Hills National Landscape [the group] are supportive of permitted mountain biking in the Surrey Hills, and are in discussion to find solutions for a sustainable management plan for a reopening of a formalised mountain bike trail on Leith Hill, known as Summer Lightning.

Summer Lightning crosses land owned by Forestry England, the National Trust, and the Wotton Estate. The route is closed along its entire length, and should not be ridden.

The group is in the process of finding a contractor to assess the condition to the route and what is required to make Summer Lightning suitable for riding on again.

For inquiries relating to Summer Lightning email: info@surreyhills.org

Protected landscapes to be strengthened with new legislation and guidance to protect nature

Posted on | by Emma

National Parks and National Landscapes empowered to deliver more for people and nature with new legislation pledged.

  • This marks the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, which created our National Parks and National Landscapes
  • This move comes amid the Government’s push to promote access to nature, as part of the wider Plan for Change

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:
“It’s seventy-five years since our National Parks and National Landscapes were created, and they have done incredible work protecting some of our most treasured and beautiful landscapes.
“But so much of our countryside and wildlife is in decline so we must do more to protect it. To mark this anniversary the Government will introduce new laws to boost protections for the natural world, strengthen our National Parks and National Landscapes and increase opportunities for millions of people to enjoy the great outdoors.”

Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills National Landscape said.

“I am delighted that the new Government recognises the importance our National Landscapes and we look forward to receiving our strengthened purposes. During this 75th anniversary year we are continuing to work with a whole range of partners to help the Surrey Hills thrive for nature and people. But we know there is so much more to be done to lead nature’s recovery, to strengthen our connection to the land and the landscape, and to rise to the challenge of climate change. We want National Landscapes to be at the forefront of this vision, which is as relevant today as it was when the Act received royal assent on this day in 1949.”

Alongside this news, we are thrilled to share that we’ve received over 1,000 responses to our Shaping the Surrey Hills survey! Your input will play a vital role in shaping our 75-year vision for the Surrey Hills, helping us craft a greener, wilder, and more accessible National Landscape as part of our upcoming management plan.

Read the full DEFRA press release here.

Nature Calling: A Clearer Vision for our National Landscape Emerges

Posted on | by Emma

This year’s Surrey Hills Symposium brought together nearly 300 people to the University of Surrey for a powerful evening of networking, inspiration and collaboration in creating a 75 year vision for the Surrey Hills as a thriving place for people and nature.  

This year’s event featured a vibrant marketplace which was bustling with dynamic exhibits from conservation organisations, local businesses and artists. It featured the unveiling of the Surrey Hills boundary signs by Saj Hussain, Chairman of Surrey County Council and Cllr Sallie Barker, Mayor of Guildford. Defra is funding the project to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the 1949 National Parks Act and the change in status of the Surrey Hills to a National Landscape.  They feature the seedpod logo and will replace the old Surrey Hills signs with Corten steel so they will be a legacy for the next 75 years.  They are modelled on the South Downs National Park signs and fabricated by Surrey based company Stark and Greensmith.   

The Symposium was opened by Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills National Landscape. Kathy invoked the spirit of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and inspired the audience to envision what the next 75 years of stewardship could bring.   

A lineup of visionary speakers took the stage, each sharing bold ideas for the future of our landscapes: 

  • Professor Lorenzo Fioramonti, a leading voice in sustainability at the University of Surrey, opened with thought-provoking insights from his work on wellbeing economies, challenging us to redefine progress beyond traditional growth models. 
  • John Watkins, Chief Executive of the National Landscapes Association, emphasised the strength of national collaboration through projects such as Generation Green and Nature Calling, showing how joint efforts can drive transformative change for the environment. 
  • MOBO Award-winning artist Still Shadey performed an excerpt from his rap for Surrey Hills Arts’ Nature Calling, capturing his engagement with the landscape as a place to escape busy life, how in a world of materialistic culture we can embrace green energy. Still Shadey is also a Founder of Croydon-based youth mentoring organisation Ment4, who recently took part in a residential experience in the Surrey Hills as part of Generation Green. The young people overcame what felt like the eerie quiet of the countryside and lack of phone signal to truly connect with nature. Hear their journey in the film here. 
  • Tim Crawshaw, Director of Planning and Placemaking for Surrey County Council, highlighted the healing power of nature-based solutions for climate resilience and biodiversity, demonstrating how green spaces can positively impact both people and planet. 
  • Molly Biddell, a champion of regenerative farming and sustainable agriculture, shared insights from her work at the Hampton and Knepp Estates, urging attendees to rethink what we eat and buy to support thriving British landscapes and the wellbeing of future generations. 

The symposium followed with a lively interactive debate, inviting the audience to share their own ideas on how we can collectively nurture a sustainable countryside. This exchange reinforced the event’s mission to inspire and empower each participant to play an active role in creating a thriving environmental future. 

Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills National Landscape remarked: 

“I was truly inspired by the brilliant speakers and the incredible collaboration that took place tonight.  I am so thankful to everyone who joined us—together we can make real, positive change for nature. This evening has shown what’s possible when we come together with a shared vision for the future of our landscapes.” 

As a memorable finale, following closing remarks from Gordon Jackson, Chair of the Surrey Hills Society, multidisciplinary artist in residence at Leith Hill Place, Rosie May Jones, delivered a live poetry performance. Crafted from over 100 “Postcards from the Future” submitted by the public, the poem Year Twenty One Hundred beautifully captured shared hopes and dreams for a harmonious future where people and nature coexist and flourish. The full poem will be available in our next Surrey Hills Management Plan. 

An excerpt from Rosie May Jones’ poem, Year Twenty One Hundred 

Have you ever wondered 

About the year twenty one hundred? 

Are you filled with hopes or with fears 

For what the world will be in seventy-five years? 

Do you think about what will be gained or what might be lost, 

Of our hills and hedges, fields and forests, 

Chalk streams and rivers, woodlands and downs, 

To the urban sprawl of cities and towns? 

Do you think our children’s children will look back and say 

Thank you for the choices we are making today? 

shaping the future survey

Beavers, renewable energy and dark skies?

Posted on | by Emma

Have your say in the future of the Surrey Hills National Landscape and you could win a Festive Hamper!

The Surrey Hills National Landscape is calling on you to help shape its next 75 years, and here’s your chance to make a real impact—while also entering to win a Surrey Hills festive hamper! Just fill out this quick survey.

From reintroducing wildlife such as beavers and pine martens, to deciding how green energy solutions like wind turbines and solar panels could transform our views, your voice matters.

The survey will help to inform our Surrey Hills Symposium on 13 November at the University of Surrey, where we will take an even deeper dive into the future of our National Landscape and how we can help nature thrive.  Hear from key policymakers and leaders of change, and make your voice heard.

Rob Fairbanks, Director of the Surrey Hills National Landscape said.

“Beavers, flying cars and nights under the stars were just some of the ideas submitted in our Postcards from the Future.  The survey is now the opportunity to influence how the Surrey Hills could thrive as a place for nature and people in a changing climate. So please take part and you will have the chance of winning a fabulous festive hamper from our award-winning Surrey Hills producers.”

Don’t wait! Share your vision today.

Book free tickets to the Surrey Hills Symposium here – Surrey Hills Symposium 2024 – Surrey Hills National Landscape