Category: Board

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

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.

In collaboration with the charity Migrant Help, the Surrey Hills National Landscape has brought together a group of displaced families to reconnect through powerful woodland experiences in the beautiful Surrey Hills. This included a day-long kite-making event delivered by Hedges & Hurdles Country Skills & Crafts, an organisation with expertise in running heritage skills activities. 

The day was not just about crafting kites. It became a celebration of heritage and togetherness, offering these families an opportunity to engage in traditional cooking over a fire – an experience many of them had not enjoyed for a long time.  

The aim of the session was to welcome these families into the Surrey Hills and help them feel a sense of safety and belonging, to protect the stunning landscape that brings peace for so many people. The day also gave a chance for the families to connect, forming new bonds that will hopefully last a lifetime. 

Participants of the day shared their feedback. 

“The various activities which we have done were amazing and enabled us to utilise our hidden skills. Honestly, after almost 18 years I tried to make a big Pakistani-style kite which was fabulous and worked.” 

“Thank you to everyone who prepared this program for us. It was good, especially for the children, to enjoy a day outside the hotel and the repeated environment here, to experience playing, doing group work and having fun.” 

Lorraine from Hedges & Hurdles Country Skills & Crafts said. 

“We were delighted to welcome 16 families to our outdoor woodland studio on a lovely sunny day. The team enjoyed engaging with everyone, demonstrating heritage skills, and creating memories everyone can cherish. Surrey Forest School invited the youngest of the children into their space whilst the older children and adults joined Lizzy and I in making Kites and Willow Crafts. Both men and women joined Debbie in cooking up a delicious tagine with couscous and salad for lunch while others chatted while cooking flatbreads on an open fire. We learned that this was the first time the families have had the opportunity to cook for themselves since coming to the UK, something most of us are lucky to do every day, this was a humbling experience. 

The afternoon was filled with more joy, Paul demonstrated how he cleaved chestnut stakes and enjoyed a game of cricket with some of the group too. We made some beautiful Flower Crowns which I believe are proudly displayed in the hotel rooms where the families are living, they were very proud of their creations. The grand finale was kite flying, despite the lack of wind, we enjoyed the thrill of launching our kites into the air. Thank you to the Surrey Hills National Landscape for making this event possible.” 

We have continued our partnership with Migrant Help, giving families the opportunity to enjoy a visit to the Surrey Hills Wood Fair. The event provided a full day of exploration, celebrating woodland heritage, music, adventure, and more. 

Looking to the future, Surrey Hills National Landscape is collaborating with Surrey’s Down to Earth team to create planters for the families’ outdoor spaces. This upcoming initiative will teach the families how to build their own planters and give the opportunity to experience the joys of growing their own food.  

Humaira, Community Liaison Coordinator at Migrant Help said. 

“When I first heard of the kite-making event, I thought it would be perfect for the families. All of them have so many creative skills that they are unable to use in the hotel but coming out to the Surrey Hills and making kites, cooking food, playing cricket and making headdresses gave them the opportunity to showcase their skills and remind themselves that they are more than just asylum seekers. A lot felt like they were back in their home country, making kites with friends and cooking with family, so it truly gave them a sense of peace and joy.  

It was so refreshing for all of us to see nature at its peak and seeing the families connect with nature, walking on grass barefoot, going on long walks and seeing the views. Many of them are in constant stress and anxiety but almost all came back to me and said this day gave them a chance to forget about their worries, to be with nature and feel calm.  

I am so grateful to Lorraine (Hedges and Hurdles), Rob (Surrey Hills National Landscape) and the whole team for together organising these wonderful events. I cannot wait to collaborate on further activities and to continuously improve the lives of these families.” 

This program is a testament to the power of nature, culture, and community coming together to provide a haven of safety, belonging, and joy for families who need it the most. This project is part of a wider programme connecting underserved communities with nature, supported by DEFRA. See our current projects here. 

Watch our short video here. 

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the Surrey Hills Boundary Review process so far! We’re delighted that Natural England has now proposed even more land to be included in the Surrey Hills National Landscape, which could increase its size by 30%. This exciting new proposal is a major step forward in creating a bigger, better-connected Surrey Hills, and now Natural England needs your feedback on these additional areas. 

Allison Potts, Nature England Area Deputy Director said: 

“If the proposed areas are added to the Surrey Hills National Landscape, this could bring many benefits including conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage, as well as the views and beauty of the area. It will give improved access to nature for the benefit of people’s health and wellbeing whilst boosting economic growth and local tourism and safeguard a nationally important landscape for future generations. All on the doorstep of London.” 

Natural England are also running some information sessions across September and October, which are in the link below. 

To submit your views, click here. 

The consultation will remain open for 12 weeks (as of 17 September 2024). 

Read Natural England’s press release here.

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”.