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Category: Board
Scotland Park, Haslemere Statement
The Surrey Hills National Landscape Board is shocked and deeply disturbedโฏat the decision by a Government Planning Inspector to approve up to 111 housesโฏon land off Midhurst Road in Haslemere,โฏwithin the Surrey Hills National Landscape designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This decision overturns Waverley Borough Councilโs refusal of planning permission andโฏdisregardsโฏthe previous Inspectorate rulingโฏon this same application.โฏย
Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills National Landscape Boardย stated.ย
โWe are not surprised that local communities and the manyย Haslemereย residents who expressed concern about this development feel let down by the Planning Inspectorate. Two Inspectors, only 16ย months apart, looked at the same application and came to completely different conclusions, despite both acknowledging the development will cause harm to the Surrey Hills. With no change in national policy on National Landscapes in the intervening period, youย can’tย help but feel concerned about major development decisions in the Surrey Hills being made by any single Planning Inspector. โฏAt best these decisionsย appear to beย inconsistent; at worst, you might call them random.โย
The Chair of Surrey Hillsย National Landscape Boardย will be writing to the Planning Inspectorate to express the Boardโs serious concernsโฏabout the way this decision was made.โฏThe process has underminedย the public’s confidence inย theย planning appeal systemย in this part of Surrey, and especially in the way decisions are made about major development applications in what is a nationally protected area.ย
The Board’s commitment to protecting the Surrey Hillsย remainsย unwavering, and they will continue to work with partners,ย communitiesโฏand public bodiesโฏto safeguard this nationally important landscape for future generations.ย
Community Celebrates Historic Hostelโs 90th Anniversary and New Future
Civic guests and the local community gathered in the Hurtwood yesterday to mark the 90th anniversary of YHA Holmbury St Mary Youth Hostelโthe first purpose-built youth hostel in Englandโand to celebrate its exciting new chapter as the Hurtwood Hideout. The hostel has long been a symbol of affordable access to nature, and thanks to recent investment, it is set to continue that legacy for generations to come.
Phil Maddock, Head of Partnerships at the YHA said.
โThe YHA is delighted to partner with organisations such as the Hurtwood Hideout as it enables the long-term future of some amazing buildings and to deliver experiences to those who need it most. It is estimated that this hostel has provided half a million people with an overnight stay in the heart of nature since it opened in 1935, and we look forward to seeing the hostel flourish for the next 90 years and beyond.โ
The new owners of the Hurtwood Hideout, Matt Morris and Tim Metson shared.
โWe are delighted to safeguard the heritage of such a fantastic facility that has touched the lives of so many. The Hurtwood Hideout will continue to welcome visitors from the UK and the far corners of the world for hopefully many generations to come. The investment that has been made has positioned the site as the perfect central Surrey Hills location for activity, health and wellbeing generally. Everyone is welcome at the hideout!โ
Tim Hall, Chair of Surrey County Council said.
โI am delighted to visit this fantastic facility and see the investment that secures its future. Huge thanks to the Youth Hostel Association for safeguarding the site, and to Tim and Matt for taking it forward. Most of all, thanks to the communityโincluding Shere Manor Estate and Friends of the Hurtwoodโfor ensuring access for all to this wonderful countryside in the Surrey Hills.โ
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Michael Coughlin, Chair of Surrey Hills Enterprises said.
โWorking with sustainable, community-driven businesses is at the heart of delivering exceptional visitor experiences in the Surrey Hills. This investment provides a hub for local businesses to come together to create new opportunities for adventure and overnight stays in this glorious part of the Surrey Hills.โ
This project has been supported by the Surrey Hills National Landscape Access Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, the site has undergone improvements to ensure better access and maintain its role as a gateway to the Surrey Hills landscape. This includes a bike hire hub, new kitchens, resurfaced paths, toilet block (including a disabled toilet), perimeter fencing, and firepits. Partnerships with local groups now enhance the hostelโs offering for cyclists, horse riders, and walkers, while off-road wheelchairs are available free of charge to open more of the countryside up for everyone.
Surrey Hills Symposium 2025: Growing Together for Adventure, Purpose, and a 75-Year Vision
Yesterday, more than 250 guests gathered at the University of Surrey for the annual Surrey Hills Symposium, an event designed to connect, inspire, and debate themes around shaping the future of our National Landscape.
This yearโs event was made possible by the National Lottery Heritage fund as a culmination of Surrey Hills Societyโs Growing Together project, also supported by the Fund with thanks to National Lottery players. The Symposium celebrated the programmes focus of creating diverse opportunities for people to find adventure and purpose within the Surrey Hills and explored how to build on the programmeโs success for nature and communities across the Surrey Hills into the future.
Guests from a wide range of communities, including the three key partner groups from the Growing Together project (Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum, Surrey Choices and the Surrey Coalition for Disabled People), were invited to share their ideas for how to build on the impact of this project and achieve the Surrey Hillsโ 75-year vision. Over 100 ideas were submitted which will help shape an ambitious new multi-million funding bid, which the Surrey Hills National Landscape will be submitting to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for consideration. This follows a call from the Fund for protected landscape organisations to bid for transformative programmes aimed at recovering nature, increasing resilience, developing heritage skills, and enhancing access for all.
Gordon Jackson, Chair of Surrey Hills Society said.
โThe success of the Growing Together project for over 500 participants from under-represented groups, speaks volumes about the power of connecting people with nature. Thanks to the University of Surreyโs evaluation, we know just how transformative these experiences have been: an incredible 91% of participants felt more connected to the natural world, and 86% gained new skills. These results underline why initiatives like this are essential – not just for individual wellbeing, but for building resilient communities. Weโre deeply grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for making this possible, and weโre excited to grow this impact even further through our next ambitious bid.โ
The Symposium opened with a celebration of the Surrey Hills 75-Year Vision, which sets the foundation for the forthcoming Management Plan. Guests were treated to the unveiling of the Year 2100 poem and artwork created from ideas shared by our audience at last yearโs Symposium.
Before the main discussions began, attendees explored a vibrant marketplace of stallholders, offering opportunities for adventure and purpose in the Surrey Hills, including volunteering and career pathways. This included food and drink kindly sponsored by Denbies Wine Estate and Mandiraโs Kitchen.
As guests entered the lecture theatre, they were immersed in the atmospheric sounds of Jack Kingslake and Freewheelers, whose soundscapeโcreated for Surrey Hills Artsโ Nature Calling projectโinvited audience participation and set the tone for an inspiring evening. This was centred around an installation representing a firepit created by Lockwood Arts and the Surrey Youth Opportunities team, embodying the engagement, warmth and storytelling capacity that fireside discussions provide us with.
The Symposium featured opening remarks from our Surrey Hills Chair, Kathy Atkinson, the University of Surrey Vice Chancellor Professor Stephen Jarvis, and was followed by three engaging โfiresideโ panel discussions:
- Growing Together, led by Professor Birgitta Gatersleben speaking to Gordon Jackason, Chair of Surrey Hills Society and India Davies, the previous Growing Together project officer on the impact of the programme.
- The Spirit of Adventure, with Dr. Tom Roberts speaking to Matt Phelps (Lead Ecologist, Knepp) and Tek Gurung (Camberley Nepalese Gurkha Association and Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum trustee) on how we define adventure. Both Matt and Tek were extensively involved in the Growing Together project, creating opportunities for adventure on your doorstep.
- The Power of Purpose, presented by Dr Jill Timms speaking to Jo Woodhams (Director of AirTime and facilitator of My Green Future and Growing Togetherโs โNature Worksโ) alongside My Green Future participant Harry, and Nellie Budd (Farmer near Brockham) on how having the opportunity to build skills and feel confident in the countryside can enable expanded career journeys. Nellie has been central to the Surrey Hills Societyโs Farms for Health project, bringing young people with mental health challenges to her working farm to support their wellbeing.
Dr Tom Roberts, Senior Lecturer Environmental Sociology; Co-Director Institute for Sustainabilityโ said.
โThe Surrey Hills National Landscape is a remarkable asset to Surrey and the Southeast, enriching lives and inspiring people to connect with nature, seek adventure, and pursue sustainable green careers. The University of Surrey and the Institute for Sustainability are exceptionally proud of our partnership with the Surrey Hills National Landscape and look forward to strengthening it further. This event highlighted the powerful impact of the Growing Together project through personal stories from those who benefited and those who helped make it possible. Their experiences were truly inspiring and a reminder of the profound difference that community, nature, and shared purpose can create.โ
Photos by Martin Bamford.
Loseley Lakes brought back to life with FiPL
The Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme has supported the restoration of the historic parkland lakes at Loseley Park, revitalising them with clearer waters, healthier habitats, and reinstated scenic views. This week, civic guests, and members of the FiPL panel gathered at Loseley Park to celebrate the projectโone of 26 pond and lake restoration projects funded across the Surrey Hills through FiPL to date.
The estate, steeped in history and home to the More-Molyneux family since the 16th century, applied to FiPL to bring the lakes back to life. The restoration has improved water quality and biodiversity by clearing back overgrown vegetation, while enhancing the visitor experience with new picnic benches and improved footpaths. A new Rail to Ramble route has also been developed connecting the lakes to Guildford station via this circular 7-mile route, utilising the North Downs Way and River Wey Navigation to pass highlights such as Watts Gallery and St Catherineโs Lock.
Will Pryer, Team Leader for the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme at Defra said, โThe Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is making a real difference across Englandโs most treasured landscapesโsupporting farmers and land managers to deliver for nature, climate, people and place. The restoration of the lakes at Loseley Park is a fantastic example of how FiPL funding is helping to preserve heritage landscapes while delivering tangible benefits for wildlife and local communities.โ
Sarah Thiele, Surrey Hills Programme Manager said, โWeโre incredibly grateful to Defra for the funding that makes projects like this possible. Working closely with farmers and land managers across the Surrey Hills has been invaluable in delivering meaningful improvements for nature, heritage, and people.โ
The Surrey Hills FiPL programme has now supported over 100 transformative projects, helping to enrich the natural environment, boost climate resilience, and enhance public access and cultural heritage.
Surrey Hills Signs Offer New Welcome
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.
Jackโs 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 seedpodโthe Surrey Hills logo designed by sculptor Walter Baileyโthat 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. โThank 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.โ
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
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. ย Guests also got creative with the Surrey Hills Societyโs 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 โ National Trust, RSPB, Albury Estate, TreEcosystems, Butterfly Conservation, Surrey Countryside Estate, Albury Organic Vineyard, Mandiraโs Kitchen, Silent Pool Distillers, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT), Rural Life Living Museum, Natural England, Surrey County Council.
New National Nature Reserve launches
Home of โDevilโs Punchbowlโ to become new national reserve
โขย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 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
โขย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 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.
โขย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย This marks the 9th National Nature Reserve to launch as part of the Kingโs 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 Devilโs 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 Kingโs 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.
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Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:ย
โBritain is a nation of nature lovers – proud of our iconic landscapes and charismatic wildlife.
โThis 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.
โThis Government is committed to turning the tide on natureโs 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.โ
ย
Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England said:ย ย
โThe 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
โThere 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 โ including โBritainโs Favourite Pathโ – 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.โ
Rob Fairbanks, Director of the Surrey Hills National Landscape said:
โI am thrilled to see the launch of the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve.ย This is a transformative designation to create a bigger, better, and more joined up approach to heathland restoration within the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
โThis 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.โ
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This landscape is also widely known as the home of The Devilโs Punchbowl, aย 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. ย
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 โFlower in the Crannied Wallโ, which reflects on the connection between nature, humans, and the divine.ย
The area has retained its popularity and is still a destination for nature lovers, boasting the Thursley Common Boardwalk, which has been named โBritainโs Favourite Pathโ 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.ย
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.ย ย
This is the 9th reserve to be launched as part of the Kingโs 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.ย
Surrey Connect Opens the Door to the Surrey Hills
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 railwayโs 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 Councilโs Surrey connect service to explore the breathtaking heritage sites of the Surrey Hills, including the National Trustโs Leith Hill Place. Leith Hill Place holds a rich history linked to Charles Darwin, Caroline Wedgewood, and the great composer Ralph Vaughan Williamsโ to add in โthe 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 thatโs not all โ 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.
“Weโre 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.
โThe best thing about Leith Hill Place is its magnificent location; its surrounding countryside, walks and breathtaking views.ย It is the best place to take a moment and feel inspiration filling your soul.ย The biggest problem though, is that it is hard to get to without a car.ย ย 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 superbโ
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Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth at Surrey County Council said
โIโm 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 Surreyโs most popular green spacesโ.
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 youโll be ready to hit the trails, whether youโre a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer.
Booking your ride is a breeze! Visit surreyconnect.org.uk and choose the โCentral Southโ 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 Trustโs 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
Natureโs 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.ย ย ย
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.ย ย
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.ย
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, itโs 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.ย
Marisa Heath, Cabinet Member for Environment said.ย
โAs 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.โย
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Professor Richard Murphy, Chair of Surrey Nature Partnership said.ย
โWe 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.ย 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.ย 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 spacesโย
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Dr Tom Roberts, Institute for Sustainability, University of Surrey commented.ย
โDog 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 doesnโt 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.โย
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.ย
Historic Barn Restoration in the Surrey Hills Receives Commendation
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 farmโs 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 buildingsโฆ 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 photosโฆ 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.
โThis 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.โ
A 75-Year Vision for a Thriving Place for Nature and People
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.ย 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
โThank 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.โ