Yesterday, the Surrey Hills Board and Partnership had the pleasure of being hosted by the Hampton Estate near Farnham. We were excited to see the beautifully restored King’s Pond, now teeming with wildlife, and to learn how AI technology is revolutionising agricultural practices with Hall Hunter. At Puttenham Common, we discovered how innovative no-fence collars on cows are aiding in the restoration of precious heathland.
The day wrapped up at Waggoners Campsite, where we delved into sustainable visitor experiences, and Huckleberries Farm, where inspiring visits support children facing mental health challenges. Here we asked our partners to reflect and write their vision from the future of the Surrey Hills National Landscape…
“Be happy! Spend more time in nature.” “Shout louder about nature, biodiversity, less fossil fuels, less development.” “Remember you are a steward, but you have power. So use it individually, collaboratively, to treasure the natural world” “Support policies that encourage nature, biodiversity and inclusiveness.” “Thank you for looking after this special place.” “Keep people, all people at the heart of a living landscape”
Three traditional finger posts have been created and installed around Chipstead, a picturesque village nestled within the Surrey Hills National Landscape. These signs, meticulously crafted by local artisan Marc Slegg reflect the rich history and rural character of the area, enhancing the community’s sense of place and rural identity.
The creation of these signs was funded by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL, developer contributions from new development in the area) and the installation by the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
The Surrey Hills National Landscape, known for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, attracts thousands of visitors each year.
John Stephenson, Chipstead Village Preservation Society said. “We are delighted with these replacement signs that reflect our village’s rich rural character. The new signs not only aid in navigation but also enhance the resident and visitor experience by providing a deeper connection to the local history and environment.”
Cllr Rich Michalowski, Executive Member for Place, Planning and Regulatory Services at Reigate & Banstead Borough Councill, said “This project is a great example of how CIL funding can be used to demonstrate the power of local craftsmanship and heritage in shaping a community’s identity. These signs are more than functional objects; they are symbols of a shared past and a collective commitment to preserving the beauty and history of our village for future generations.”
Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills National Landscape Director states “This is part of a broader initiative to maintain and enhance the rural character of the Surrey Hills using local contractors, local material and developing green and heritage skills with our Surrey County Council’s Youth Opportunity Team who helped to install the signs”.
Councillor Luke Bennett, (Surrey County Councillor for Banstead, Woodmansterne, Chipstead) was instrumental in helping this project across the line, bringing multiple stakeholders together and gaining the necessary permissions from Surrey Highways / Surrey County Council. Commenting, Luke said: “This project to replace the traditional ‘fingerpost’ signs throughout the village has been a great example of what can be achieved through teamwork. Thanks go to John Stephenson of the CVPS for persevering with the project and my Borough Councillor colleagues from Reigate & Banstead (Cllrs Dwight, Cllr Parnall and Cllr Newton (who recently succeeded our former colleague Cllr Neame) – all of whom ensured the project gained the necessary CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) funding. These aesthetically pleasing traditional looking signs are key to Chipstead’s character and village atmosphere”.
To celebrate Community Rail Network’s Community Rail Week, customers from Surrey Choices Vocational Projects Team (an organisation providing support to adults with learning disabilities) embarked on an immersive journey through two picturesque landscapes, courtesy of the North Downs railway line. This year focuses on ‘More than a Railway’, and with thanks to Great Western Railway’s funding, the Surrey Choices team had the opportunity to experience both the Surrey Hills National Landscape and Blackwater Valley whilst gaining valuable insights into safe and efficient travel on the train.
Aboard the train, the group took part in a creative session inspired by the landscape of the Surrey Hills. Upon reaching Farnborough North in the heart of the Blackwater Valley, they explored tranquil fishing lakes and regenerated gravel pits, offering a striking contrast to the chalk hills of Surrey. There was also a visit to Reg’s Garden, a beautiful community garden looked after by dedicated volunteers from Farnborough Street Resident’s Association.
This initiative embodies inclusivity, aiming to help communities feel confident using the train, as well as experiencing it as a new way to visit neighboring countryside. It is exemplary of how Community Rail Partnerships not only connect people to the railway, but also to the surrounding history, heritage, and nature. This pilot project is a collaborative effort between Surrey Hills National Landscape, Surrey Hills Society, Southeast Communities Rail Partnership, and the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust.
Whether you are an avid bird watcher, hiker, horse rider, cyclist, or a lover of scenic views, National Landscapes are at the heart of creating a thriving place for nature and people.
2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act which was the foundation for our Protected Landscapes. National Parks and National Landscapes can do so much to help us deal with the impacts of climate change and support nature recovery.
On Wednesday 24 April, the Surrey Hills National Landscape welcomed Julian Glover, Chair of The Landscapes Review, to Denbies Wine Estate to celebrate the Act and share his vision for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as National Landscapes.
Julian Glover
“I’m so excited about the way our new National Landscapes are going to make England’s countryside greener, healthier, and happier for all of us. With the right backing they can do so much more for people and nature too so it’s uplifting to see Surrey’s National Landscape leading the way”
Julian launched the campaign ‘Postcards from the Future’, where the Surrey Hills Board needs you to share your thoughts on what a thriving National Landscape should be like in 75 years. This initiative aligns with long-term Surrey Hills projects such as tree and hedgerow planting, veteran tree safeguarding, heritage building conservation and heathland and downland restoration. This forward-looking vision will serve as a guide for the upcoming Surrey Hills Management Plan (2025 – 2030), shaping the policies that local authorities will adopt to conserve and enhance this remarkable landscape.
Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills Board said.
“It’s sometimes hard to fathom what as individuals we can do in the face of global threats such as climate change, and nature depletion. Our Postcards from the Future campaign is a way for everyone who cares for the Surrey Hills to make a difference, by having a say in how this amazing landscape will evolve over the remainder of our lifetimes and beyond.
We want to distil the courage and ambition shown by those early countryside campaigners, and the politicians and legislators who agreed with them, and map out a collective vision for the Surrey Hills which recognises that this area will change over the coming decades, in ways that we cannot control as well as through careful stewardship. This land has been managed (and not managed) in a wide variety of ways over thousands of years. Generations have lived, worked, and farmed here; visitors from near and far have cherished the Surrey Hills for more than a century as a place to recharge and refresh during precious leisure time.
By thinking about ourselves in this rich history and looking ahead into a future that we want to help shape, your postcard from the year 2100 will help us map out a journey towards a landscape that will inevitably change, but not by accident or through a lack of vision. So please tell us what you think this landscape should look, smell, sound and feel like in another 75 years, given global and local trends. We want our plan to be ambitious and brave, because we all need a Surrey Hills that is healthy and resilient, for nature and for people.”
Submit your Postcard from the Future via the link below and become a part of shaping the next chapter for the Surrey Hills. Campaign closes on 31 July.
A campaign has been launched to encourage visitors to the Surrey Hills National Landscape to travel by rail. The ambition of Rail to Ramble is to create walking routes which give users the very best countryside experiences whilst leaving the car at home. This creates a greener and more accessible National Landscape for all visitors looking for connections to nature.
With thanks to funding from Great Western Railway’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund, the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership and Surrey Hills National Landscape commissioned local artist Diana Croft to create railway posters which champion sustainable travel along the North Downs Line. This railway line connecting Reading to London Gatwick Airport offers a beautiful train ride through the rolling Surrey Hills, with views of the chalk North Downs hillside, St Martha’s Hill and characterful towns and villages such as Shalford, Chilworth and Gomshall.
Following the poster launch, attendees experienced a delightful short walk to the nearby Gunpowder Mills, a cherished heritage site along the Shalford to Chilworth Rail to Ramble route. The event culminated at the charming Percy Arms, further underscoring the region’s rich local business offerings.
Eleanor Wills, GWR Regional Development Manager (East), said:
“The Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in projects that really make a difference to our customers and communities at a local level. These
posters provide a perfect guide to the wealth of amazing walking routes within easy reach of the North Downs Line.”
Katie Stewart, Executive Director for Environment, Infrastructure and Growth at Surrey County Council said:
“Surrey County Council celebrates the recognition of the pivotal role that sustainable travel has in preserving the landscape of the Surrey Hills. This project demonstrates the importance of working together to ensure that visitors by train have a warm welcome on viewing the beautiful new posters and then can enjoy a great experience visiting the outstanding countryside and supporting our local businesses on the well maintained and waymarked trails.”
During this year’s National Tree Week, the Surrey Hills National Landscape celebrated their woodland habitat from the ancient to newly planted trees. With over 40% woodland cover, the Surrey Hills is one the most wooded of all our National Parks and National Landscapes.
On Wednesday 29 November, Sir William Worsley, Chairman of the Forestry Commission and Ted Green MBE, founder of the Ancient Tree Forum, visited Newlands Corner to hear about the conservation project to safeguard one of the most important yew woodlands in the world and to unveil the Yew Tree artwork.
Ted Green MBE, founder of the Ancient Tree Forum and Sir William Worsley, Chairman of the Forestry Commission unveiling the Yew Tree artwork by Ruth Wheeler.Guests in front of the Newlands Corner view. (Left to right) Lydia, Mark & Sharna, Surrey Choices, Andy Wright, Conservation & Access, Lisa Creaye-Griffin, Surrey Nature Partnership, Matthew Woodcock, Forestry Commission, Gordon Jackson, Surrey Hills Society, Gary Evans, Forest Bathing Institute, Michael Baxter, Albury Estate, Geoff Monk, Treecosystems, Sir William Worsley, Forestry Commission, Anna, Yasmin, Nikki & Jonathan, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills National Landscape, Councillor Paul Deach, Surrey County Council, Bridget Biddell, Hampton Estate & CLA, Sarah & Oliver, Surrey Hills National Landscape, Ted Green MBE, Ancient Tree Forum, Tom Hill, National Trust, Heather Ackroyd, Ackroyd & HarveyGeoff Monk, founder of Treecosystems sharing some of the opportunities and threats to these ancient trees, and how his work with the help from Guildford Borough Council and Surrey Choices is creating a more sustainable future for these Yews, which are around 1,000 years old.Gary Evans, founder of the Forest Bathing Institute explaining the research behind spending time under the canopy of ancient trees and our mental wellbeing.
National Tree Week encourages everyone to enjoy and connect with the woodland and trees around them. With use of the Surrey Hills Access for All fund, Newlands Corner is just one of the many sites across the Surrey Hills which has seen accessibility improvements, connecting people with nature.
Cllr Paul Deach, Deputy Cabinet Member to the Leader of the Council said.
“It was wonderful to welcome Ted Green and Sir William to Newlands Corner to help raise public awareness of the work to conserve our precious ancient yew trees. Also, Surrey County Council are delighted to be working with the Surrey Hills team and the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People to enhance the opportunity to access nature for the health and well-being of all our residents, making sure that ‘no one’s left behind’.”
Chairman of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, Jonathan Fisher, and Vice-Chair, Anna Satori, experiencing the improvements made at Newlands Corner since their Access Reviews earlier in the year.
During the evening, the Surrey Hills Symposium welcomed hundreds of people to the University of Surrey, this year themed ‘Woodland Wonder, with thanks to sponsorship from Ringway. The Symposium brought together woodland advisors, community groups and Surrey Hills Enterprises members into a marketplace for guests to enjoy.
Sir William Worsley, Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Tim Wates, High Sherrif of Surrey and Professor Richard Murphy, Director for the Centre for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Surrey with sponsors Ringway and Surrey Hills Enterprises member, Silent Pool Gin.
The evening then continued in the auditorium, discussing the topic of the future of our trees in a changing climate.
Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills National Landscape Board said.
“Celebrating our 5th Symposium hosted by the University of Surrey, this year highlighted how crucial our woodlands are as habitat for thousands of species, flood protection, air quality, cultural heritage, mental wellbeing and to securing our future in a changing climate. We are at a critical time for nature, and the recent rebranding of all AONBs to National Landscapes signifies the national importance of these areas in the fight for nature and in tackling climate change.” Read the full National Landscapes story here.
(Left to right) Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills National Landscape Board, Sir William Worsley, Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Cora Pfarre, Head Forester at Maydencroft, Tom Hill, Tree and Woodland Advisor at the National Trust and Professor Richard Murphy, Director for the Centre for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Surrey
“We were delighted finish the week tree popping at the Hampton Estate to enable the chalk downland to thrive. The Surrey Hills team were joined by Surrey Hills Enterprises businesses, making space for nature for species such as the small blue butterfly. Surrey Hills Society are also out tree planting with fantastic volunteers this winter with support from the Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes fund.”
The Surrey Hills team with Surrey Hills Enterprises members including Shetland Pony Club and Surrey Hills and Rivers.
Today, [Wednesday 22 November] all designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales are becoming National Landscapes, including the Surrey Hills National Landscape. The new name reflects their national importance; the vital contribution they make to protect the nation from the threats of climate change, nature depletion and the wellbeing crisis, whilst also creating greater understanding and awareness for the work that they do.
This is a significant milestone for the UK and the next step in fully realising the National Landscapes’ vision to be the leading exemplars of how thriving, diverse communities can work with and for nature in the UK: restoring ecosystems, providing food, storing carbon to mitigate the effects of climate change, safeguarding against drought and flooding, whilst also nurturing people’s health and wellbeing.
The Surrey Hills National Landscape was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958, the second to be designated in the country. It covers around a quarter of Surrey, the most wooded county in England, and is situated within the London Metropolitan Greenbelt with 1.5 million people living within 10km of the landscape. With rising national pressures regarding climate change, the biodiversity emergency the mental health crisis, the Surrey Hills as a National Landscape will better protect precious habitats such as heathland, downland and woodland which are home to important species, as well as providing space for people and nature to thrive.
Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills National Landscape says:
“There’s often a healthy scepticism around talk of “re-branding” and people might reasonably ask, “What’s the point?” in calling the Surrey Hills a National Landscape instead of an ‘AONB’.
Firstly, the legal status of the Surrey Hills as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is unchanged. This amazing area retains the same protections in law as a National Park. As set out by the Glover review in 2019, AONBs are fragmented, misunderstood and often see even greater pressures with less resource. Glover recommended not only a renaming of ‘AONBs’ to National Landscapes, but the power which could follow in terms of a strengthened network, with increased funding, governance reform, and new shared purposes to help us fight against the challenges our protected landscapes may face.
We need to use this rebrand as a step change to how we connect with our protected landscapes. To excite and engage the widest possible public in the task of protecting the Surrey Hills, a cherished landscape that is under threat like never before. This is a critical decade for our natural world, and National Landscapes brings the opportunity to collectively reduce the impact of substantial threats from a National and localised perspective. So, I urge everyone to embrace our National Landscapes vision as a tool to help us support a healthy and thriving landscape, for nature and for people.”
The UK Government’s proposal to allow the conversion of agricultural buildings to houses represents a significant threat to the beauty and rural economy of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), according to the Chair of the AONB Board. The Surrey Hills was designated in 1958 and, like every AONB in the country, has the same levels of protection as a National Park. It is a highly valued landscape appreciated by millions of people in Surrey, London and nationally.
The Government’s proposal to allow the extension of what are known as Permitted Development Rights, would give free rein for landowners to convert rural buildings into houses without having to go through the usual planning approval system. It could result in agricultural buildings, stables, rural workshops, farm shops, and tourist accommodation being converted into new housing whilst doing virtually nothing to meet affordable housing needs in the Surrey Hills.
Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills Board comments.
“Planning decisions shape not only the physical character but also the nature and biodiversity of the Surrey Hills. We all agree that more affordable housing is needed right across the South East of England, but this latest proposal by the government is not the mechanism to deliver it. It also risks jeopardising the rural economy for businesses who rely on rural premises.
Everyone who lives and works in the Surrey Hills is familiar with the housing pressures here, and the sky-high costs of both housing and commercial premises. Turning agricultural buildings that may serve a whole range of functions into what are most likely to be exclusive, luxury homes, to be sold at price points way out of reach of most of Surrey’s residents, flies in the face of the whole purpose of designating the Surrey Hills as a nationally protected landscape.”
The potential impact of the proposed changes to Permitted Development Rights (PDR) was presented to the Surrey Hills Board AGM at Box Hill on 13th September, by the Surrey Hills Planning Officer, Clive Smith. Clive explained,
“It’s important to understand that there is not a ban on converting agricultural buildings, even now. Anyone wishing to convert their buildings into housing must go through the normal planning process. It is in the public interest that applications for conversions continue to be given the consideration they deserve, given the nationally protected status of the Surrey Hills. We are sympathetic to farmers and landowners who wish to convert their buildings, provided such conversions do not conflict with national and local planning policy.”
We encourage responses to the Government consultation by the deadline of 25th September 2023. The consultation link can be found here.
The full Surrey Hills submission can be found here.
The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) welcomes the news that recovery of nature in England’s National Parks and AONBs is to be accelerated through a package of measures, including new legislation through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
Read Defra’s press release here and Thérèse Coffey’s full written statement here.
In the lead up to our Surrey Hills Wood Fair (9 & 10 Sept), Freewheelers and Surrey Coalition of Disabled People spent the day up in the tree canopy to experience nature from an entirely different view.
Jonathan, Chair of Surrey Coalition of Disabled People said
“The tranquillity within the canopy was so calming, the smooth transition from earth to treetops, has been shown to be accessible thanks to the care of your team. I’ve never tried a Zip Wire; I would love to try this sometime if ever possible. Thank you for a memorable experience.”
Suzan from the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People said
“I can most definitely say that as someone who has severe problems with heights, going up into the tree canopy was a fantastic experience which I would love to do again. I felt totally safe and thanks to looking towards the trees, didn’t realise how high we went up. It was so peaceful while up there and can thoroughly recommend to everyone.
I also enjoyed the screen printing and the lovely young lady who designed the screens made my choice of changing colour not an issue. I now have a beautiful and unique tote bag which will remind me of a wonderful day every time I see it.
I hope that this won’t be the once in a lifetime event but if it was, then what an experience!”
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People have been integral partners in helping us identify meaningful improvements to the countryside with the Access for All fund via access review visits. More information here.
Freewheelers will be performing a piece inspired by trees at this year’s WonderDusk event (16 Sept).
A huge thank you to Laurence and Paula at Manor Farm for hosting our Partnership Tour on Thursday 27 July. It was a fantastic opportunity for our partners to hear about the challenges and opportunities faced by farmers in the Surrey Hills. The day also included a visit to the 4km of hedgerow planted by volunteers and a herd of the Belted Galloway cattle wearing the no-fence collars for conservation grazing both funded through our Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
On the 15th July 2023, the team at Just Bring Yourself took two groups of refugee families out for a hike into the fields, farm and woodland of Norbury Park. It was a day of smiles we will not forget – and that’s despite the “amber” warning weather which tried to bat us down from start to finish.
Funding to cover our core costs and get the project moving was provided by the Nineveh Trust. The all-important transport was provided by Epsom College who were eager to help these families living in the Epsom area. We found ourselves in the full gamut of heavy rain, wind, sunshine and drizzle throughout the day. Surrey County Council’s Norbury Park provided a beautiful back drop of meadows, mixed woodland (which our guests referred to as jungle during the day) and a meandering river course. Our volunteer guides, Don and Anton, shared snippets of knowledge about nature as we walked on together.
The highlight of the tour, as is always the case, was Swanworth farm and made possible through the Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes fund. Swanworth is a place where children and animals connect, and this time Larry the Lamb was the star that made children smile from ear to ear. It is always heart warming to see the delight on someone’s face when they interact positively with animals. The families had lots of questions to ask farmer Nick Bullen, as the comparison of farming cultures was a hot topic, including why we don’t just buy a cow for home use from the local farm (well there’s a thought!).
Our rather worse for wear gazebo was having none of the weather, so we looked around for a place of cover from the rain where we could sit for our picnic. We then offered everyone the chance of writing or drawing something about their day and Francesca and I spent some time sitting with the children who asked how to spell various words to express what they had seen or enjoyed at Norbury. Some expressions were made in their own language which we hope to share soon as the calligraphy is quite beautiful. After a reflection period, we played games in the Swanworth fields which allowed them to run through buttercups and grasses. We then asked everyone to help clear up which enforced the Countryside Code that we teach during each tour and they were all brilliant and totally willing. The long walk home through paths laden with incoming blackberries, wild flowers, birds and farm animals was filled with conversation and questions from our guests.
The lovely drivers from Epsom College were there to meet us for the journey home. These were the first of five events we are holding for refugees this summer. A lot of work and co-operation goes into days like these, but our team came away feeling moved and enriched by the happiness and enthusiasm of the children, the day was made especially so thinking about the unimaginable experiences that forced them from their homes.
A big thank you to our participants and everyone who made these tours possible, including the team at The Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network part of The Good Company Charity who provide so much support for families in need. A special thank you goes to the weather that displayed all four seasons in one day and that all of our participants gloriously embraced.
