Thoughts on cultivating a closer relationship with the countryside by Ben Webb of Surrey Hills and Rivers.
There are lots of statistics and arguments pointing towards the need to spend more time active in the countryside, but surely it’s just common sense?
The sad reality is that a lot of young people risk growing up to a life of poorer physical and mental health and, even as a result, having a life that’s shorter than that enjoyed by their parents resulting from a more sedentary lifestyle, processed food, and the pressures of social media. It is clear the answer is not contrived fitness initiatives, traffic light labelling on foods and education and controls around screens and social media, that isn’t a rounded recipe for wellbeing. What is needed is freedom and fun.
The countryside can provide what is really needed. When we commit to time in the countryside we automatically get respite from technology, physical exercise as a natural part of our day and exposure to the elements. Yet the benefits run so much deeper still. We get a chance to appreciate our dinner more than we would after a sedentary day indoors, or a hot shower, or a drink of cold water, or the heat from a fire. We get a chance to understand why mankind felt the inclination to invent all the luxuries that we have around us, and to remember that they are luxuries and that other things are more important. Personal progression in some form can be said to be the key to wellbeing, but only if it actually feels like progress. And for economic progress or luxuries to make us happy, we need to keep nurturing that sense of the basics.
In a countryside setting there is also the chance to develop the all-important, meaningful social bonds with other people that can come from managing the outdoors together, or from going through physical endeavour as a team, or from chatting together when not competing for some resource or other and instead with the backdrop the peace and calm of the countryside. There is also the chance to appreciate how other living things spend their whole lives ‘just getting by’.
In the 21st century we have to proactively create the opportunities for children to enjoy the countryside and can’t expect children to engage with the countryside without some encouragement, because access is not always easy and modern society doesn’t bless parents with that confidence to let their children disappear into the woods and over the hills from breakfast until dinner. And, of course, children themselves are often too readily occupied with screens and social media anyway.
The opportunities are everywhere out there however, with lots of initiatives to support less well-off families too. It simply takes a bit of individual conviction to string those countryside experiences together all through the year and to project the fond memories and virtues of those experiences upon our daily lives in between.
So, my conviction is to get our children out into the countryside – now that’s progress and wellbeing – and perhaps the key to a few more years that are worth living.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s still time to show your love for local by shopping within the Surrey Hills, choosing locally-made gifts or booking a Surrey Hills’ experience. With a wide range of both traditional and more unusual treats for yourself or a loved one, look to local this Valentine’s for a more sustainable choice and to truly show you care.
Pick the perfect Valentine’s present from a choice of curated gift boxes for Valentine’s Day from Sensiful. Show your special someone how much you care while also spreading the love to lots of local Surrey businesses who make the gifts in the boxes. How about a Hot Fox Box (£29.50) with an array of chilli-themed gifts? Or the Surrey Sweetness Box (£33) for your sweet toothed sweetheart? Last orders for free guaranteed Valentine’s delivery is Friday 10th February.
The Valentine’s Rose Expression and Chocolate Gift Set (£50) brings together two Surrey Hills Enterprises members in the perfect partnership. Silent Pool Distillers and Sweet C’s Handcrafted Chocolates have created this heavenly gift set to set hearts racing this Valentine’s. Featuring Silent Pool’s delicate Rose Expression Gin, combined with Sweet C’s handcrafted chocolates made with exquisite Fino De Aroma cocoa, specifically created to enhance individual botanical notes in the gin, including orange, spice and red fruits.
Vegan, cruelty free and plastic free local candle company, Winterfold Candle Company, suggest their Eventide Essential Oil Candle (£24.95) makes for the perfect Valentine’s gift. Reminiscent of sultry summer evenings, this candle pairs the deep, complex scent of bergamot – providing a comforting warmth – with the rich florals of neroli for a beautifully uplifting scent.
Enjoy complimentary Sweet C’s chocolates when you buy sparkling wine from Chilworth Manor Vineyard before Valentine’s Day. Try the Chilworth Manor Brut Rosé (£36.50), a classic method sparkling wine, vibrant pastel pink in colour with youthful purple hues and a delicate mousse,blended from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. The last order date for guaranteed delivery is 9th February but order and collect from the vineyard up to 1pm on 13th February.
Give yourself the gift of self-love this Valentine’s with natural skincare from Puremess and buy a bestseller to receive 23% off another product. The bestselling Rejuvenating Face Cream (£18) is one such product that lifts the spirits with its Neroli, Sweet Orange and Palmarosa essential oils, whilst rehydrating, softening and rejuvenating the skin with its Hyaluronic Acid.
Available in Classic, Orange, Mint, Salted Caramel, Raspberry or Peanut Butter, the 8-inch Brownie Heart (£20) from Delightfully Decadent is the ideal way the share the love with the whole family this Valentine’s. Handcrafted and suitable for 8-10 people, this delicious brownie makes the perfect indulgent gift. Order online or telephone via the website.
Valentine’s Experiences
Barnett Hill Hotel provides the perfect elegant setting for romance this Valentine’s season, with sumptuous Afternoon Tea for Two, sure to impress any amore! Served in the Library, Bar, Oak Room and Drawing Room, expect roaring fires, frosty views accompanied by dainty sandwiches, light-as-air scones and a divine selection of cakes.
The beautiful Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking is hosting a Valentines Sparkling Celebration Ball on Saturday 11th February. Enjoy a sparkling wine reception followed by a delicious three-course meal with wine, then dance the night away to live music provided by the fabulous 15-piece band, Perfidia. Tickets are priced at £68.50 per person.
Book the beer lover in your life a Brewery Tour (£15 per person) with Dorking Brewery for the chance to learn more about their seriously good beer and the processes they employ. With a duration of 45 minutes, this tour takes place every Saturday at 12.30pm and makes the perfect Surrey Hills experience gift for that hard to buy for person.
For those that want to give their loved one something memorable, why not purchase an Experience Day Gift Voucher (from £65) for Joy Farms? Let them choose a date and experience that suits them best from a wide range of activities including green wood spoon carving, basket weaving, woodturning, floristry and more. These beginner-friendly art and craft experiences provide the chance to get outside in the fresh air and learn a new craft or explore a new hobby.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic getaway to Wotton House, escaping into a relaxing and indulgent break with the one you love. The Valentine’s Package includes an overnight stay in a Garden View Room, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, Petals on the bed, Chocolate Strawberries and a Bottle of Prosecco on Ice in the room. Available on Saturday 11th and Tuesday 14th February from £249 per room.
Winter time provides the perfect opportunity to refocus and reflect on ways to make your home and garden more practical, comfortable and cosy.
They say that home is where the heart is and choosing to shop locally or work with local companies is sure to bring a little more heart to your home; whether it’s starting that long put-off redecoration project, choosing a new piece of furniture or an interior decor item, working with a designer or maker to create a storage solution or buying new plants for the garden.
Make the most of your space
The Surrey Hills is home to huge array of local businesses that can make your home, garden or space the perfect place to kick back and relax or entertain family and friends. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted furniture or bespoke interior decor, new plants or structures for the garden, a helping hand to renovate and extend your property, or maybe even a local estate agent to assist in choosing a new home, the Surrey Hills has businesses that offer this and so much more.
Read on to discover the many Surrey Hills Enterprises Members that can provide the perfect solution and offer inspiration for your land, home and garden.
Ignition Fires
Home and Interiors
Aequora Home & Interiors is an interior design practice based in Westcott, Surrey run by founder, Lisa Egglestone who has over 25 years’ experience designing high-end residential homes throughout the UK. Aequora prides itself on understanding clients design briefs and creating beautiful and functional interiors.
Harbour Kitchens boast a unique mix of advanced engineering, craftsmanship and the use of the latest materials, allowing them to create beautiful bespoke kitchens that are truly sustainable and earth friendly.
Brandler London is a bespoke cabinet maker and joinery company specialising in the use of barn wood. Passionate about creating beautiful, highly textured centrepieces and captivating living spaces, considerable attention is paid to sustainable design, at the heart of all projects.
The most comprehensive selection of Stoves, Fireplaces, Gas Fires, Accessories and Flues in the South, Ignition Fires are a family owned, family run business of over 45 years.
Aequora Home & Interiors
Log Delivery supply very dry logs perfect for your stove or fireplace and are best described as a ‘firewood supermarket’, delivering kiln dried hardwood logs, locally sourced Seasoned Hardwood logs, kindling and smokeless coal 7 days a week within 3-hour time slots. Their mission is to have all their firewood sourced locally from the Surrey Hills.
Specialising in restored vintage and antique furniture Nicola Anstey Design brings a fresh unique and modern twist to traditional design. Furniture includes a changing stock of one-off antique and retro sofas, old vintage wooden cabinets, rustic and antique tables, industrial metal chairs.
From a workshop in the Surrey Hills, Shere Kitchens offer a curated service from design to fitting for your kitchen renovation. They specialise in designing and creating custom kitchens, walk-in pantries, utilities, and boot rooms for Period and Listed homes, renovations and extensions.
Surrey Hills Firewood prides itself on sourcing locally sustainable wood from managed forests and woodland within Surrey and the surrounding area, which is then delivered directly to your door. Surrey Kiln dried hardwood logs are guaranteed to have a moisture content below 15%, so they’ll burn hotter for longer and produce less soot.
Working closely with curtain makers and interior designers, mostly in London and the South East of England but with a spread of clients across the UK and the world, The Holbein Company focuses on handmade curtain poles and accessories in brass, wood and wrought iron.
Specialising in producing high-end furniture that is both sustainable and handmade, WHCreations’ pieces are made from a combination of oak whiskey barrels and reclaimed materials, as well as hardwoods, giving each piece a unique character and charm. They also offer a range of tables and chairs for both indoor and outdoor use, perfect for any home or garden.
Shere Kitchens
Garden and Plants
A self-taught blacksmith / fabricator, JK Forges is run by Jack who has been blacksmithing since he was 10 years-old. Today, he makes everything from small garden ornaments and top of the range Japanese kitchen knives to huge custom gateways and arches.
C.G.J.Mathias & Son Nurseries are a third generation family nursery business which has been established in Tilford near Farnham for over 50 years as growers and suppliers of a wide range of hedging plants.
Floralscapes are a team of passionate horticulturalists with a great eye for design who love creating incredible floral and plant displays. Specifically, remarkable or unique trees, plants and flowers, expertly chosen and grown with utmost care partnered with beautifully designed, handmade planters from the best makers in Europe.
A specimen tree and plant company with a wholesale nursery based near Weybridge, Flourish Plants are on a mission to supply only the finest trees and plants at the very best value. A key stockist of Zelari Piante, one of Italy’s foremost growers, they also source from selected premium growers in Holland, Belgium and the UK.
Hans Christmas Andersen is a family-run grower, wholesaler and retailer of Christmas trees. They now sell over 60,000 fresh, homegrown Christmas trees to customers every year, 6,500 of which are sold at Santa Fir Farm near Cranleigh.
Floralscapes
Specialists in creating useful and functional extra outdoor space as the perfect addition to your home, Surrey Hills Garden Buildings offer a complete service including design, supply and installation whether you are looking for a home office, studio, games or music room, outdoor living, space to chill or put up guests.
Producing raw metal plant supports and fire bowls, Surrey Hills Plant Supports source materials locally where possible and also deliver locally for free. Every piece of hand-made metalwork is fabricated from start to finish in their small family run workshop using both traditional and modern fabrication techniques.
The Old Moat is a garden centre with a difference. When you visit the Old Moat, you aren’t just buying high quality plants, visiting the welcoming dog-friendly café or choosing unusual gifts from the shop but also directly supporting people living with mental ill health.
A creative carpentry company specialising in treehouses, garden rooms, porches, car ports and projects that need to be designed, bespoke and beautiful, Timber Wolf Carpentry pride themselves on their professionalism, reliability, accuracy and attention to detail.
Timber Wolf Carpentry
Property Services
With staff operating out of three offices – Guildford Town Centre, Merrow and Shalford – Chantries & Pewleys estate agents are able to offer clients unrivalled local coverage and a wealth of experience in the local market.
AEM Contractors offer a variety of estate maintenance services for both residential and commercial clients as well as grounds maintenance to suit your needs, giving you reassurance that everything is being maintained. If you’re looking to improve your fence, look no further than AEM Contractors.
Offering all aspects of architectural design for residential properties, KLB Homes can manage planning permission for your home renovations, extensions, barn, loft and garage conversions. So whether you’re looking for a full design service including planning permission or just a little inspiration for a home extension, get in touch!
Formed in 1972 and run by brothers, Mark and Stephen Eshelby, Latchmere Properties has developed a reputation for creating high quality developments, where architectural style has always remained both bespoke and determined by location. Based in Dorking, they are a local and award winning family business that is incredibly selective in the opportunities they pursue.
With the countdown to Christmas firmly on, choose to shop sustainably this year by looking to local businesses to provide the perfect solution. Not only does shopping within the Surrey Hills support small businesses and people locally, but it also reduces the carbon footprint of the products purchased, provides the ability to track provenance and quality more closely and makes a tangible difference to the local economy.
The Surrey Hills boasts a wealth of talented artisans and creative small businesses offering a huge array of experiences, events and products right on the doorsteps of those living locally and Surrey Hills Enterprises – the Community Interest Company that provides a support network for local businesses – represents the very best. Start shopping for the ideal Christmas present or gift experience, order delicious locally crafted food or drink to adorn the Christmas table or kick start the festive season by attending a Surrey Hills event or two – there’s something for everyone when you look to local.
Here are some inspiring ideas from local businesses and Surrey Hills Enterprises’ members offering an enticing array of festive gifts, experiences, stocking fillers, local produce and events this Christmas:
Gift Products
Natural skincare company, Puremess, has cosy gifts for wellness lovers this Christmas. Their ‘Soy Wax Melts with Ceramic Wax Melter’ (£12.50) includes non-toxic, non-paraffin Pumpkin Spice Melts, each of which can last between 10-15 hours. The wax melts contain Cinnamon, Ginger, Clove, Nutmeg and Cardamom essential oils to fill your house with the perfect festive aroma and packaging is 100% biodegradable. Alternatively, their ‘‘Love’ Christmas’ gift pack (£25) contains everything needed for a relaxing night in this winter. With a pair of fluffy socks, Puremess Sleep Balm, Hand Cream and a Lip Balm, all cosied up in a beautiful hessian bag and tied with a Christmas bow and gift tag, this is the dream gift for snuggle season.
Talented writer and founder of Winning with Words, Steve Markwell, has produced ‘Surrey Hills SuperHeroes’ (£13.99), new stories perfect for children and adults this Christmas-time. A collection of tales set in the Surrey Hills, where real-life and magical characters battle threats to the beauty of our landscape, this beautifully-illustrated book invites you to find your inner hero this Christmas. Get a copy of the illustrated book by emailing: stevemarkwell1l@gmail.com.
‘The Christmas Pamper Hamper Box’ (£44.95) from Sensiful makes the ideal present for someone who needs to take the weight off their feet and relax. They can kick back with Semi Sparkling Wine by Sea Change (or a gin from Wessex Distillery) and Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles by Wicked & Wonderful, whilst enjoying the subtle scents of the Dove for Peace Soy Candle by INZHO. There’s also a Spacemask and a Fika Bag full of selfcare products from Puremess to make the pampering session complete! All products are Surrey-sourced with sustainable packaging and free UK shipping, making shopping with Sensiful the easy way to shop locally this Christmas.
Local Drink
Coffee lovers will enjoy counting down to the big day with 12 Days of Discovery 2022 – Coffee Advent Calendar (£45) from Dorking-based Chimney Fire Coffee. Within this specially curated collection of coffees from the company’s 2022 Discovery Coffee range, each coffee has been carefully selected by the roastery team to satisfy different tastes and introduce a new and interesting coffee from around the world. Be that a new origin or region that hadn’t been sourced from before, a new process or varietal, or something seasonal with a unique flavour profile, from Malawi to India, there is something new for everyone to discover. £1 from every box will be donated to Re-Cycle, a small charity who refurbish donated bicycles from the UK, working with local partners to distribute them to rural communities in Africa. The Coffee Advent Calendar includes 12x70g bags of coffee, plus a guide containing more information about this year’s Discovery selection.
Albury Vineyard is a small, family-run biodynamic vineyard producing the highest quality organic English wines. This Christmas they are offering the Albury Estate Sparkling Wine Case (£159.70) to bring more than a little sparkle to your festive period. Enjoy £20 off a case of sparkling wine with free delivery when you use the code CHRISTMAS20 online and celebrate Christmas in style with English fizz!
Birtley Estate in Bramley has launched a limited edition brandy, crafted using apples grown from the estate’s cider apple orchard of 700 trees. The orchard was planted in 2012 and is managed with environmental care. The small batch premium apple brandy, in the style of Calvados, is matured at Birtley then distilled at the Silent Pool Distillery in Albury. The delicious spirit is then aged in oak barrels before bottling. BEORC LEAH – the old English name for the Birtley Estate – retails at £70 per 50cl bottle. To order, call 01483 678394 or email juliet.b@birtleyhouse.co.uk.
Local Food
RoniB’s Kitchen, the award-winning producer of artisan Philippine flavoured sauces, condiments and preserves, has launched the Tropical Sauces Gift Box (£15) in time for Christmas shopping, locally. A unique Christmas gift packed with tropical flavours for foodie family or friends, this gift box contains Ihaw Ihaw BBQ Sauce, Banana Ketchup and Labuyo Hot Chilli Sauce.
Hampton Estate boasts 2250 acres of historic parkland, grazing meadows, arable fields, award winning woodlands and traditional farmyards in Seale, Farnham. As a producer of fresh Hampton prime beef, wild roe venison, Special Steak Pies and Sausages of all varieties, their Christmas Collection Day will take place from 10.30am to 3.30pm on 2nd December for those who wish to buy local for their festive fayre and get ahead on their Christmas meal planning. Plus there will be mulled wine and other local producers on site with their own stalls to browse for that early Christmas present. Order in advance and don’t miss out!
Surrey Hills Experiences
Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD) are offering a number of festive fun activities during December for both families and corporate groups. During ‘TAZ Festive Family Fun’, enjoy a festive session in the outdoors making rustic seasonal decorations, play festive games and enjoy toasting marshmallows over an open fire with the family. Sessions are priced at £22 per adult, £17 for aged 5-18 years and free for under 5s. Alternatively, ‘TAZ Holiday Fun’ will take place from 9.30am-4.15pm on 20th and 21st December. For children 6 – 11 years, enjoy outdoor activities, make a festive decoration and enjoy a Christmas lunch, priced at £52 per child.
Corporate groups and those businesses looking for an alternative Christmas party this year should also look to SOLD for the solution. Their ‘Festive Team Gatherings’ is the ideal Christmassy get together with colleagues. Make rustic seasonal decorations, enjoy festive team games and savour a hearty, homemade meal served over an open fire. Book either 2.30-5pm or 6-8.30pm on weekdays from 12th December. Priced at £30 per person (min 10/max 30) – just wear warm clothes and bring along festive spirit! The beautiful Barnett Hill Hotel near Guildford is offering a tempting ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’ this winter season. Priced at £26.50 per person, indulge in delicious treats from delicate finger sandwiches to freshly baked patisserie items. Dressed to impress, the hotel is positively decked and just waiting for the sounds of the clinking of glasses and the popping of corks – visit Barnett Hill to celebrate in style this Christmas.
The beautifully-maintained parkland Bramley Golf Club will host special festive lunches throughout December with all the Christmas trimmings.
The ‘Christmas at Bramley’ menu offers the choice of 1 course (£19.95), 2 courses (£24.95) or 3 courses (£28.95) and features delicious dishes including Smoked Salmon, Leek and Dill Tarlets, Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, Confit of Duck on a Chorizo and Bean Cassoulet, Caramelised Oranges with Rum and Raisin Ice Cream and Traditional Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce.
Gift Vouchers
The Village Spirit Collective has ‘Gin Distillery Tour & Experience Vouchers’ (£25), perfect for that special someone this Christmas – or for yourself! Meet the distiller and gain an insight into the distillation process whilst enjoying a welcome drink. Explore the intriguing gin range and the individually distilled botanicals to determine your flavour profile. Vouchers are sent by email and are ideal for family or friends.
A Photography Gift Voucher from Sian T. Photography is the perfect solution for that difficult to buy for person this Christmas. A personal gift that won’t break the bank, Sian is offering the chance to double your money this festive period. Purchase a £100 gift voucher for just £50 or a £200 gift voucher for just £100 using coupon code ‘XmasX2’ on the website for a voucher that can be used against all Sian T. Photography services and products. Vouchers valid until 30th November 2023.
Give the gift of Barnett Hill this Christmas with an indulgent voucher for something to look forward to in the New Year. Including relaxing massages, scrumptious afternoon teas, al fresco suppers or a Surrey Hills getaway, there is something for everyone in the Barnett Hill gift shop.
Festive Events
Get fully in the festive spirit by booking onto the Wreath Making Workshop (£65) at Gate Street in Bramley.Taking place from 7pm-9pm on Tuesday 29th November, arrive to a welcome drink and enjoy festive nibbles, then be guided by the Gate Street floristry team in creating a festive wreath to add a touch of homemade charm to your front door this year. All materials needed will be provided, including foliage foraged from Gate Street’s woodlands and surrounding farmland to build up the frame and an array of decorations to suit your style, including natural greenery and dried orange slices plus a variety of other joyful options. The wreath-making workshop is intimate, allowing for one-to-one support, and is the perfect event to kick off festivities with friends or family.
The Surrey Circle Winter Event will take place in the enchanting Garden Cobham from 10.30am-9pm on Thursday 1st December and from 9.30am-4.00pm on Friday 2nd December. Start your Christmas celebrations with family and friends by browsing sumptuous stalls, taking part in creative workshops, enjoying tantalising food and drink and soaking up the festive atmosphere with live music and carols. Advance purchase adult tickets are priced at £3.50, or £5.50 on the day, with 25% donated to local Surrey charities.
Visit the atmospheric Silent Pool in Albury from 11am-5pm on Saturday 3rd December to attend Silent Pool Distillers‘ popular and evocative Christmas Market. Enjoy exclusive offers, a lucky dip, stalls by talented local artisans, rousing carol singers, steaming mulled gin and more as part of this magical festive event.
The Kelly’s Santa Run from Kelly’s Storage Charity Events is back on Sunday 4th December, this time with a Christmas market! Enjoy a winter run round Stoke Park, choosing from the 2.5k (fully accessible) or 5k route around the park, then finish off with a wander through the Christmas market to enjoy festive food and drinks, activities and gifts – children can even visit Santa in his grotto! Each entrant gets a Santa hat to wear for the run (or a festive bandana for any four-legged friends) and a decoration for the tree when they finish! Every penny donated will go to Challengers, a local charity that provides truly inclusive, fun and safe places where all disabled children and young people can spend time with their friends. Non-runners who just wish to attend the market are welcome too, with free market entry from 10am-2pm.
With climate change, the loss of natural spaces and protecting threatened species being topics on everyone’s minds, an upcoming Surrey event will help provide practical tips and inspiration on how to look after the natural world – starting in our very own backyards.
The Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2022 will take place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September at Fish Pond Copse in Cranleigh and will feature a ‘Making Space for Nature’ zone to help educate and inspire the whole family to live greener.
The zone will feature a wide array of interactive activities and demonstrations, as well as advice from experts on how to help create a safe space for bugs, bees, plants and other species in and around your own home and garden. The Making Space for Nature zone will show how making small changes and taking simple steps can have a huge impact on the recovery and success of nature within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and further afield.
Get involved in creating a mini habitat from cut logs and branches to discover how to support wildlife in your own green space in the inspiring zone and children of all ages will love to colour a Surrey Hills Indicator Species, whilst learning more about the wildlife living locally around us. There will be the chance to contribute to an artistic centrepiece, ‘Seeds of Hope’, which will be on display at this year’s ‘Harvest’ event on Box Hill on 17 September (free tickets can be claimed here). By mindfully binding yarn around discarded branches, become part of the mass effort of hundreds of people and community groups that have created their own ‘Seedpods’, connecting us to each other and nature.
Throughout the day in the special zone at the Surrey Hills Wood Fair, discover the folklore and science of the woodland during ‘tree walks and talks’ or explore more about the brilliance of the humble bumble bee. There will also be exciting children’s activities on offer and experts will be on hand to talk to the whole family about how we can all play our part in making space for nature.
Just one of many fun-filled areas to explore at this year’s Surrey Hills Wood Fair, discover fascinating traditional woodland crafts, listen to nature-inspired storytelling, take a shire horse and wagon ride, try tree climbing and digger driving, have a go at making a fire or axe-throwing, meet farmyard animals, listen to educational talks, play giant wooden board games and much more. With live music, a wide range of exceptional stalls from local artisans to browse and an array of delicious Surrey Hills’ food and drink to enjoy, there really is something for everyone at the Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2022.
The Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2022 will take place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September at Fish Pond Copse, Bookhurst Road, Cranleigh. Advance tickets are £7.50 or £10 on the gate, with free entry for children under 16. Advance ticket sales close at 12 noon on Friday 9 September. Free parking on site and friendly dogs welcome on leads.
The Directors and Staff at Surrey Hills Enterprises are deeply saddened by the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and send our deepest condolences to the Royal family.
A book of condolences will be available at the Surrey Hills Wood Fair this weekend to enable people attending to pay their respects and to recognise and celebrate Her Majesty’s long and devoted service.
There will also be a minute’s silence at 12pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Bringing together local Reigate and Banstead-based businesses under a theme of ‘the Power of Place’, the event considered the importance of local provenance, local values and sourcing locally to building a successful brand, whilst celebrating unique Surrey businesses and their contribution to the local economy and ‘brand Surrey Hills’.
The afternoon event included guest speakers sharing their take on the theme and their wisdom with the other local business attendees.
Chris Robinson from Chalk Hills Bakery and Morgan Arnell from Crumbs Brewing, both talented Surrey Hills Enterprises members who are trailblazers in their fields, working in an artisanal and sustainable way to produce products of the highest quality, spoke on the power of place to their individual brands and how they have harnessed the sense of locale in building successful businesses, both within the Surrey area and further afield.
Wendy Varcoe MBE, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises, spoke on the benefits of Surrey Hills Enterprises’ membership and the strength of the Trade Mark Surrey Hills, awarded to businesses that stand for quality, local provenance and sustainability within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and easily recognisable to both consumers and other businesses alike.
As the afternoon progressed, refreshments were provided by Ranmore Common-based Chimney Fire Coffee, who served their delicious responsibly-crafted coffee to eager guests, alongside beers from Pilgrim Brewery.
Chalk Hills Bakery served a sumptuous afternoon tea including Sponge Cake, Orange and Almond Cake and moreish scones with clotted cream and local jam, irresistible to many.
A relaxed and positive event, the afternoon provided a vital platform for fantastic conversations to take place between local business leaders and entrepreneurs, with discussions on the theme of ‘the Power of Place’ and working collaboratively to further grow successful, sustainable Surrey businesses.
The second annual Surrey Hills Artisan Festival, held on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May 2022 at Denbies Wine Estate was a great success, seeing around 3,000 people visiting to enjoy the vibrant weekend event in a beautiful setting near Dorking.
Organised by Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises, in partnership with Denbies Wine Estate and Surrey Artists Open Studios (SAOS), the festival was a celebration of the talented artisans of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with more than 70 local artisans in attendance. Showcasing the region’s very best art, crafts, food and drink, the festival featured stalls from artisans and a large artists’ marquee from SAOS members, as well as live music and entertainment in a central arena, including Rock Choir performances, samba rhythms from Bloco do Sul, jazz from Philip Hopkins Jazz Duo, steel drums from Melodic Pan Man and morris dancing from the Rampant Roosters. Lots of fun for all ages!
Surrounded by hay bales, the central area of the Bacchus Field was the ideal place for visitors to relax in the sunshine, whilst listening to the excellent entertainment, soaking up the rays and the relaxed atmosphere of the festival, and enjoying the huge array of local food and drink on offer. With Thai curries, African cuisine, wood fired pizza, ice cream and sorbets, Surrey Hills wine, freshly ground coffee, botanical beers and much more, there was something for everyone!
New for 2022, the Surrey Hills Artisan Festival also featured a fantastic demo tent, which hosted talks, tastings and demonstrations throughout the weekend from a wide variety of artisans – from cooking to craft making to nature activities to mindfulness to leather craft to cocktail making to fascinating stories of success from local businesses, there was lots to engage and inspire attendees, all included within their entry ticket.
Under sunny skies, there was also lots to entertain younger visitors too, with Surrey Hills’ storytelling, giant garden games, arts and crafts tables, a cartoon mural and an art installation to get involved with, inspiring creativity in children of all ages. All generations were also inspired by the art being created live at the festival by local artists in various mediums, showing their techniques and talents.
With a wide variety of stalls showcasing products and produce from within the Surrey Hills, from local small businesses, there was much to browse and buy, with many visitors discovering new Surrey products that they hadn’t before tried and meeting the talented artisans behind the Surrey businesses.
With so much on offer and with such a stunning setting, with views of both the grape vines and nearby Box Hill, many visitors stayed for the day and made the very most of the spring sunshine at the Surrey Hills Artisan Festival. Stallholders, organisers and visitors alike are already looking forward to next year.
The next Surrey Hills Enterprises’ event, the Surrey Hills Wood Fair will take place at Cranleigh Show Ground on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September 2022. Be sure to add the date to your diary and book in advance for a discount on tickets.
Yesterday we were delighted to celebrate our many brilliant local businesses and their sustainability achievements at the CREST22 Sustainable Business Awards. CREST22 is Surrey’s only awards uniquely aimed at recognising and celebrating business sustainability, the awards were this year held at the WWF Living Planet Centre.
We would like to congratulate all of the nominees and winners at the CREST22 Awards. We are especially proud of our amazing Surrey Hills Enterprises members who were nominated for an award, with the following winning their categories:
Nordic Wellness Drinks winning the ‘Going Circular’ award for their progress in environmental impact
Crumbs Brewing winning the ‘Transforming Food’ award for their environmental efforts through produce
Plant Passion winning the ‘Efficiency Champion’ award for their significant resource saving improvements and greater use of renewable resources
A huge thank you and congratulations to all our Surrey Hills Enterprises members for their continued passion and commitment towards being a sustainable business and to Carol Miller for all her inspirational endeavours with the CREST22 Sustainable Business Awards.
An exciting two-day outdoor festival at Denbies Wine Estate will celebrate the very best of the Surrey Hills’ food, drink, arts and crafts this spring:the Surrey Hills Artisan Festival 2022.
Taking place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May at England’s largest vineyard in Dorking, the weekend festival will showcase the artisans of the Surrey Hills, giving visitors the chance to see enthralling demonstrations, try their hand at fun-filled activities, buy locally-made produce or products, enjoy delicious food and drink and see master craftspeople in action.
Hosted by Surrey Hills Enterprises, the Community Interest Company that works with local businesses to support the rural economy and promote, protect and enhance the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), in partnership with Denbies Wine Estate and Surrey Artists Open Studios, the Festival is sure to be a feast for all the senses.
Perfect for families looking for a fun day out or those interested in discovering new produce, art pieces or crafts, the Surrey Hills Artisan Festival offers something for everyone.
Taking place in Denbies’ Bacchus Field, with an enviable setting amongst the vines and views across to Box Hill beyond, the Festival will be interactive, with the chance to meet local artists, gain knowledge from exceptional skilled artisans, see intriguing craft making and enjoy live music and entertainment.
This Surrey Festival will feature a special Surrey Artists Open Studios (SAOS) marquee, with a number of talented local artists displaying their pieces to browse and buy, from artworks created from pastels, oil, pencil and ink, to handcrafted jewellery, hand-cut glass, lino printed pieces, textiles, handmade felt accessories, wooden gifts, hand-thrown ceramics and much more.
Alongside this, the Festival will bring together over 60 Surrey Hills’ artisans, with a fascinatingly wide array of stands. Buy directly from local, independent businesses offering chocolate, wine, beer, gin, skincare, jewellery, candles, textiles, woodwork, glass, pottery, pet portraits, sculpture, garden wares and more.
Enjoy food and drink from the Surrey Hills whilst soaking up the relaxed festival ambiance, from South African dishes to Thai street food, hot, freshly-baked waffles to edible cookie dough, seasonal sandwiches, salads and more, all accompanied by a glass of Surrey Hills wine, botanical beer or perhaps a locally-made gin or rum.
The Surrey Hills Artisan Festival 2022 takes place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May at Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking. Tickets are priced at £7.50 in advance or £10 on the gate, with free entry for children under 16. Advance ticket sales close at 12 noon on Friday 20th May. Onsite parking is free, or Dorking railway stations are a 15-minute walk away.
With stress, anxiety and depression more prevalent than ever amongst the modern workforce, the focus of businesses on the wellbeing of their employees is more important than ever before.
Particularly relevant in light of the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 (9th-15th May), corporate wellness initiatives can play a vital role in creating a more positive working environment and a more resilient workforce, something that is beneficial to both the individuals themselves and the business as a whole.
Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
With the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) able to provide a stunningly beautiful countryside setting and a wealth of high quality independent businesses working sustainably to offer an array of wellness experiences, corporates should consider the Surrey Hills as a destination when looking to enhance employee wellbeing. Whether it be through team building activities, community volunteering, mindfulness, opportunities to get outside and into nature, to learn a new skill or something more unusual, Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises’ new ‘Corporate Activities, Meetings and Experiences in the Surrey Hills’ guide covers the very best of these options and more within the Surrey Hills AONB.
Shown to improve productivity, focus and creativity, working together as a team outside of the usual work or office environment can help to build bonds and create a more cohesive working group. Learning a new skill can be one way of attaining this – and a sense of achievement in the meantime. Hedges & Hurdles Country Skills & Crafts offer a variety of courses for both individuals and groups in heritage skills and crafts, such as coppicing, willow craft and bushcraft. Ideal for taking a break from screens and enjoying a digital detox, courses are held in beautiful woodland locations across the Surrey Hills and its surrounds, including Birtley Woodland Art’s Space in Bramley, Priory Farm Estate in South Nutfield or Sussex Prairie Gardens, near Henfield.
Those looking instead to learn the art of mindfulness could consider an experience with The Forest Bathing Institute (TFBI), also featured in the new guide. An international organisation launched by a Surrey Hills husband and wife team, TFBI helps people improve their mental health and wellbeing by harnessing the benefits of nature, by immersing them in natural settings. With mindfulness having been shown to positively help to manage stress, such experiences can have a powerful impact on the morale of staff, lifting moods, providing a much-needed wellbeing boost and restoring mental energy of a fatigued workforce – particularly useful following periods of intense pressure and stress, such as key deadlines or busy periods of the year. With half and full day events available, as well as team building weekends, there are options to suit all company types and needs.
The Forest Bathing Institute
The family-owned Health & Wellbeing Centre, Surrey Hills Physiotherapy, offers a wide variety of bespoke classes, both in their beautiful studio in The Barn at the heart of Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, or virtually online. Choose from a range of specialist professional instructors and teaching styles to best suit the team’s requirements, from Pilates to Barre, Tai Chi to Yoga. These calming classes can provide the ideal option for setting a workplace wellness challenge or a regular ‘Wellness Wednesday’ team activity. With one-off wellbeing days or retreats also available, activities can be combined to create a bespoke package, with dining options in the Vineyard Restaurant or overnight stays in The Denbies Vineyard Hotel next door, wine tastings, cycle tours and more.
Surrey Hills Physiotherapy
Active teams may choose instead to explore the great outdoors, with many associated benefits. Spending time in green spaces has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in the body and in turn stress levels, as well as improve energy, increase happiness, create connections and even reduce inflammation. A University of Michigan study also found that group nature walks were linked with enhanced positivity and mental health, reducing occurrences of depression and stress-related disorders. Corporate groups inspired to harness these health benefits could look to Back on Track, a Surrey Hills’ company that provides guided group hikes and walks with drink and dine experiences. Led by Simone, a qualified hiking guide and fitness coach, and working collaboratively with other Surrey Hills Enterprises members, Back on Track offers experiences such as a Silent Pool walk with a gin distillery tour and tasting or Surrey Hills walk and biryani on the patio at Mandira’s Kitchen, as well as more strenuous adventures such as the Surrey Three Peaks Hike with a pub finish.
Back on Track
Improved wellness does not, however, only have to be found in physical or fitness challenges. Doing something good for a cause or giving back to the community can also provide just as many benefits for the body and mind. The Wey & Arun Canal Trust, a registered charity restoring London’s lost route to sea, offer bespoke canal cruises and corporate volunteering days, where teams can get involved with vital conservation work, from restoration to clearing towpaths, painting lock furniture and tree planting. Providing the change of scenery much craved by those teams that feel disconnected due to the pandemic or those who now work remotely, spending time on or close by the canal can improve mental wellbeing whilst giving back, providing a sense of achievement and positivity.
The Wey & Arun Canal Trust
Corporate groups looking for something a little unusual in the Surrey Hills should take part in a Llama Trekking experience with the Merry Harriers in Hambledon. Expect the unexpected whilst walking with the friendly herd of 12 Llamas, the perfect companions to an exploration of the Surrey Hills AONB – whatever the weather! With the chance to learn interesting facts about these beautiful animals and enjoy a picturesque picnic in their company, teams will have the opportunity to bond with the creatures and each other and let their laughter release important endorphins. This quirky experience would work brilliantly as a staff reward, making individuals feel appreciated and cared for, also combined with an overnight stay in a stunning shepherd’s hut or garden room.
The Merry Harriers
The new ‘Corporate Activities, Meetings and Experiences in the Surrey Hills’ guide from Surrey Hills Enterprises features these and many more activities and is a brilliant resource for companies planning to enhance their staff wellness offering. To learn more and to read the new Corporate Guide, visit: https://surreyhills.org/corporate-meetings-incentives-and-events-in-the-surrey-hills.
Surrey Hills Enterprises and Inchcape UK’s Lexus Guildford are delighted to announce the renewal of their partnership which aims to build a thriving rural business community and strengthen sustainability within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The corporate partnership, which was first launched in 2019, was renewed this month in a positive move that sees the luxury car retailer continue to grow its relationship with Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises.
With support from Lexus Guildford, Surrey Hills Enterprises works with local businesses to promote, protect and enhance the Surrey Hills, whilst also awarding the ‘Trade Mark Surrey Hills’, a mark of local provenance and quality granted to those businesses that actively work to support the local environment.
The joining forces of the two organisations reflects their key shared values: a sustainable future for the Surrey Hills and inspiring others to enjoy the outdoors and explore more widely.
Speaking on the partnership, Wendy Preston, General Manager of Lexus Guildford, said:
“I am delighted that Lexus Guildford is continuing the partnership with Surrey Hills Enterprises and reinforces our joint commitment to sustainability. As one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, Lexus takes our responsibility to help protect the environment very seriously. We are creating vehicles which have as little impact as possible on the natural world around us. It is important to us to find cleaner, sustainable ways of making vehicles and disposing of them when they reach the end of their useful life.”
In order to address global environmental issues such as climate change, water shortages, resource depletion and loss of biodiversity, Lexus is promoting measures based on six challenges, aiming to reduce the negative environmental impacts of manufacturing and driving vehicles as close to zero as possible, making net positive impacts on society.
The all-new Lexus NX450h+ Plug-In Vehicle (pictured) is available as Self-Charging and Plug-In Hybrid powertrains which have been developed using Lexus’ extensive knowledge of pioneering electrification experience. The halo plug – in model in the new NX range features a four-cylinder 2.5-litre hybrid engine and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It has an EV driving range of in excess of 40miles enabling all-electric driving at speeds up to 83 mph. The NX 450h+ benefits from low BIK taxation while offering the reassurance of self-charging hybrid power when the battery is depleted.
Lexus has received the What Car? Reliability Award for a third year in succession, acknowledging its continued success in the magazine’s annual Reliability Survey, along with the NX450h+ vehicle being voted the What Car? 2022 best plug-in vehicle of the year.
Visiting Wendy Preston at the company’s Guildford showroom at Slyfield Green alongside Wendy Varcoe MBE, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises, Simon Whalley, Chairman of Surrey Hills Enterprises, said:
“We are delighted to have the chance to continue our partnership with the Lexus Guildford team. The partnership is hugely important to Surrey Hills Enterprises in the work that we do to support rural businesses and local communities within the Surrey Hills. To partner with a business that shares our sustainability values is key and we are thrilled that Lexus Guildford are such trailblazers in this respect. A huge thank you to Wendy Preston and her team at Lexus Guildford for their continued support.”
The Allianz Tree Planting Day, held on Friday 25th February at Knowle Park in Cranleigh, saw 1,000 trees and shrubs planted as part of a new scheme to enhance the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and increase regional sustainability.
Held to celebrate the successful efforts of Allianz Insurance – one of the largest general insurers in the UK – in reducing their paper use as a business, including having removed 75% of their printers, the special tree planting event saw staff from the Guildford Head Office come together to help plant the native trees and shrubs.
Part of the Surrey Hills Corporate Champions programme, run by Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises in partnership with charitable trust, Surrey Hills Society, the Allianz tree planting is the first corporate event of its kind, marking the first time an organisation has become involved in this pivotal programme to give back to the Surrey Hills AONB.
The Allianz tree planting day took place at Knowle Park, a new 60-acre public park and community project in Cranleigh, run by the Knowle Park Trust charity. Across three different planting sessions, Allianz staff donned their boots, rolled up their sleeves and got involved in digging and planting the native tree and shrub species that included English Oak, Sweet Chestnut, Black Cherry Plum, Scots Pine and Wild Crab Apple seedlings.
The area planted will be known as the ‘Allianz Copse’ and marked with a routed wooden sign, handmade by Deej Carter of Carving Designs, a local company based in Ewhurst. The trees and shrubs will be managed and maintained by Knowle Park Trust for the benefit of the community and future generations.
Attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, the planting day was a great success and a huge amount of fun for Allianz staff, as well as being an important landmark event in promoting a sustainable future for the Surrey Hills.
Michael More-Molyneux, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, commented:
“I applaud this excellent partnership between Surrey Hills Enterprises and Allianz, with the objective to plant more trees and to improve the environment and sustainability of our county. This is Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, and one of the major parts of the celebration is the planting of the Queen’s Green Canopy across the country, calling on individuals and organisations alike to plant trees for the beauty of the countryside, and as an everlasting reminder of The Queen’s service to our country. I applaud both organisations on their forethought and concern for our environment.”
Commenting on the tree planting, Carolyn Rich, Head of Brand Marketing and Social Responsibility at Allianz, said:
“Allianz employees care very much about the environment and it was great to get together to do something that is both symbolic and practical. We all get 20 volunteering hours a year and more than 120 colleagues used part of that time to plant these trees and secure the future of this area of natural beauty.”
Following the Allianz Tree Planting Day, Wendy Varcoe MBE, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises, commented:
“It was truly inspiring to see the staff of Allianz gather for the tree planting event at Knowle Park, celebrating their fantastic achievement in reducing their use of paper is a business, whilst in turn pledging their support for a sustainable future for the Surrey Hills. We are sure their efforts will prove to be an inspiration for many.”
The corporate event follows the success of the first public Champions tree planting day last November, which saw 50 individual Surrey Hills Champions plant a new 50-metre long native hedgerow at Clandon Wood Nature Reserve in West Clandon. Champions – both individual and corporate – play an important role in protecting the Surrey Hills AONB for future generations, aiding nature recovery and supporting local wildlife to thrive.
For a donation of £25, those with a love of the Surrey Hills can sign up to become a Surrey Hills Champion, meaning they too can have the chance to attend a special tree planting day to have a sapling planted in their name, as well as receiving access to special offers with sustainable Surrey Hills businesses, exclusive events and updates.
