Category: Nature

Generation Green 2: £4.5M Project Connecting Disadvantaged Youth with Nature

Posted on | by Emma

The Surrey Hills is thrilled to be part of the Generation Green programme, helping to bring nature closer to the young people who need it most.  

Its an opportunity to engage communities who face barriers to accessing the countryside, including those living in areas like Croydon, which is right on the doorstep of the Surrey Hills. Research shows that 18% of children in the most deprived areas never experience time in any natural setting—a gap we are committed to bridging.

By building the confidence of young people in nature, we hope to inspire the next generation of environmental ambassadors.

Find out more about the Surrey Hills programme.

 

Generation Green 2: £4.5 million project is helping England’s most socially disadvantaged young people forge closer connections with nature

A project which will help more than 25,000 young people living in England’s most socially disadvantaged areas to connect with nature and rural life through nights under the stars and a host of other inspiring experiences is in full swing.

By the end of the project next spring, Generation Green 2 will have delivered more than 41,500 day and overnight nature connection experiences to young people who would otherwise be the least likely demographic in the country to spend time in the nation’s most beautiful landscapes.

Delivered by a coalition of 24 organisations and authorities, Generation Green 2 aims to help address major inequalities in access to nature by cultivating a wider interest in green spaces among the next generation, fostering lifelong wellbeing benefits among participants and opening protected places to a wider demographic.

Connections for the future

Poorer communities and people from ethnic minorities in the UK have the worst access to green spaces. Research has shown that 18% of children living in the most deprived areas never spend time in any kind of natural space.

Almost half of the country’s most socially deprived areas are more than 15 miles by road from a protected landscape (such as a National Park or National Landscape), and opportunities to explore these landscapes are hindered by inadequate transport options.

Yet an extensive body of research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature connection also leads to more willingness to take action to help our wildlife and the environment. In the context of collapsing biodiversity and the climate crisis, closer relationships with nature are more vital than ever before.

Generation Green 2 aims to help disadvantaged young people forge lifelong connections to nature by taking them on multi-day residentials, farm visits, day trips and nights under the stars, all based in National Parks, National Landscapes and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

These experiences will help young people connect with nature, cultivate a sense of care for the countryside, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of spending time in the outdoors.

This ambitious project is being delivered by the Access Unlimited (AU) Partnership, a unique coalition of not-for-profit youth organizations, school residential outdoor providers, and organisations managing protected landscapes.

The AU coalition includes the YHA (England & Wales), The Outward Bound Trust, Field Studies Council, Girlguiding, Scouts, National Parks England, and the National Landscapes Association. Nine National Park Authorities and eight National Landscapes are involved in course delivery.

High demand

Funding for Generation Green 2 has been provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of its ongoing support of access to nature. It supports key recommendations in the 2019 Landscapes Review by Julian Glover, addressing the need for a wider range of first-time visitors to engage with protected landscapes in order to help make them fit for the future.

Participants in the project will be young people from geographic locations in England falling into the Index of Multiple Deprivation scale (1-3), and through schools that exceed a threshold of 30% of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium funding.

Delivery of Generation Green 2 began in spring this year and has so far enabled almost 6,000 young people to take part in experiences across England. Demand for courses from participating schools and groups has been extremely high and there is currently little remaining availability.

Find out more about Generation Green 2.

Building on success

This project is the second major initiative delivered by the Access Unlimited coalition.

It will build on the work of the first Generation Green project, a £2.5 million programme which supported another key recommendation of the Glover review by – among other things – widening participation in outdoor-related jobs and volunteering, creating seven apprenticeships, 10 new jobs, a paid internship, 30 YHA Kickstart placements, and 659 skilled volunteer roles.

An independent evaluation carried out by the University of Derby showed that the facilitated day and residential trips which were also a part of the first Generation Green project led to an immediate significant impact in young people’s connection with nature and sense of inclusion in nature. The University of Derby are conducting similar research into the impact of Generation Green 2.

“The UK’s National Landscapes teams are thrilled and proud to be part of this project. This generous investment from UK Government will enable us to take a significant step forward in our mission to bring amazing experiences in National Landscapes to even more young people. Two thirds of the population of England lives within half an hour’s journey time of their nearest National Landscape, being able to connect and enjoy these treasured places on their own terms will give them a genuine stake in their future. Working with our partners in the Access Unlimited coalition, we will ensure that more of our young people have the chance to connect with the nature, culture and wonder of their nation.”

John Watkins, CEO, National Landscapes

Invertebrates signs

New Signs Celebrate Surrey Hills’ Invertebrate Wonders

Posted on | by Emma

A new initiative is taking flight in the Surrey Hills, aimed at drawing attention to the remarkable world of invertebrates. In a collaborative effort with local farmers and landowners, new educational signs are being installed across the National Landscape to engage the community with the extraordinary and essential roles these tiny creatures play in our ecosystem.

Invertebrates, which include all insects and spiders, make up an astonishing 73% of all organisms on our planet. In stark contrast, vertebrates (creatures with backbones) constitute a mere 0.4% of global species, with humans being a minuscule part of this category. Despite our small numbers, human impact on the environment is disproportionately large. This project aims to shift the focus towards protecting invertebrates, as safeguarding these species helps to protect the broader ecosystem.

The new signs, which will be prominently placed along popular trails and scenic spots, feature vibrant illustrations and compelling facts about various invertebrate species. Visitors can learn about the critical roles these “minibeasts” play, from pollination to decomposition, and how they support the entire food web.

“We’re excited to launch this initiative,” said Catherine McCusker from the National Trust who has led this project alongside Christa Emmett from the Surrey Hills Society.  She added “By highlighting the importance of invertebrates, we hope to inspire a sense of wonder and responsibility in everyone who visits the landscape. Protecting these creatures is essential for the health of our environment.”

Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills National Landscape Director said “The signs are a result of a concerted community effort, with input from farmers, landowners, and conservationists. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to preserving Surrey Hills’ natural heritage and fostering a greater understanding of the intricate web of life that sustains us all.”

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply enjoying a walk in the hills, these signs will offer valuable insights and encourage a deeper connection to the natural beauty of the Surrey Hills.

For more information about the invertebrates of Surrey Hills and how you can help protect them, as well as a map of where you can find these signs, visit the Surrey Hills National Landscape website here.

With thanks to the Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes fund and support from all project partners.

Inspiring Young Minds to Celebrate Surrey’s Ancient Trees

Posted on | by Emma

An exciting competition kicked off across Surrey on the 1st June to encourage young people to celebrate ancient trees and have their artwork featured in a new children’s book, ‘The Thousand Year Tree’. Children aged between 4 and 11 years are encouraged to head to their local Surrey library to pick up a template and create artwork for the inside covers, known as ‘end papers’ of the new book. Any art medium can be used, and artwork should be themed around trees and nature.

As England’s most wooded county, Surrey is home to some of our nation’s oldest trees, many are over one thousand years old. To celebrate these trees, local author Lucy Reynolds and illustrator Katie Hickey, are working with a group of children from Weyfield Primary Academy in Guildford. They have already been involved in a series of creative workshops, school assemblies and educational visits to Newlands Corner in the Surrey Hills National Landscape, to see the ancient yew trees. The children, guided by the experts will create poems and timelines charting the history of ancient trees which will culminate in the creation of a captivating Children’s Book. The book will be distributed across all 52 of Surrey’s libraries as well as through additional local schools, inviting readers of all ages to learn about ancient trees and how to safeguard their future.

Gordon Jackson, Chairman of the Surrey Hills Society said: “The Surrey Hills Society is delighted to be involved in this project, supported by a grant from the Surrey Hills Access for All fund. We are extremely grateful for the promotional support of the Surrey Library network. Being a part of the process of creating the book with both Lucy and Katie is inspirational and we very much look forward to seeing the final literary masterpiece. The Society is committed to encouraging people of all ages and abilities to discover and enjoy the Surrey Hills and we are proud to help Surrey’s children learn so much about our ancient trees and surrounding countryside.”

Carolyn McKenzie, Director of Environment at Surrey County Council said: “With creativity, education, and community spirit at its core, this project not only celebrates Surrey’s ancient trees but also fosters a deeper connection between young minds and the natural world, paving the way for a future generation of environmental stewards. This project highlights even more the importance of Surrey’s tree planting scheme, which will plant 1.2 million trees by 2030, the trees of today will become the ancient trees of the future leaving a lasting legacy.”

Susan Wills MBE Assistant Director Arts, Culture, Heritage and Libraries at Surrey County Council said: “What a wonderful opportunity for children to take part in a creative reading project that  encourages learning about nature and Surrey’s ancient trees. Surrey is England’s most wooded county and this project is a wonderful opportunity to educate children in the vital role trees play, from providing habitats for wildlife to absorbing carbon dioxide! All fifty-two of our Surrey Libraries are taking part so wish all the participants the best of luck!”.

The competition runs from 1 June to 4 September and templates can be collected and returned to any Surrey Library. Further details and terms and conditions are available on the Surrey Hills Society website, click here to find out how you can get involved..

The project is a collaborative effort between the Surrey Hills Society, Surrey Hills National Landscape, Surrey County Council, author Lucy Reynolds, illustrator Katie Hickey, Guildford Book Festival and The Old Dungate Press. With thanks to funding from the Surrey Hills Access for All fund, enabling everyone to love and protect Surrey’s National Landscape.

Squire’s announces community gardening programme

Posted on | by Maggie Howell

 

Squire’s Garden Centres has launched a new community gardening  programme, ‘Love Where You Live’, which provides a £5,000 fund to support the valuable work of  projects within communities close to its centres.

The initiative will seek to assist up to seven community gardening projects in local areas that exist to educate, grow  produce or provide  health and wellbeing benefits through horticulture.  Applications are invited from projects, initiatives or organisations that bring communities together through their work.  The awards will give financial support and practical advice so initiatives can make a significant step forward – or become a reality – within the communities they serve.

The £5,000 fund will be split into seven awards made up of three £1,000 awards and four awards of £500.   Projects selected will be confirmed mid-March and scheduled to run throughout spring and summer, culminating at the end of July 2024.  Awards made will be in the form of Squire’s vouchers so recipients can choose plants, tools and other gardening supplies according to their own needs. Projects will be selected from those close to Squire’s 16 garden centres, so colleagues can offer appropriate support.

To be considered, projects must be within a 10-mile radius of a Squire’s Garden Centre and be able to demonstrate a clear benefit to the wider community. Greater weight will be given to projects that are  accessible to anyone in the local area, but spaces benefiting a group with particular needs may be considered. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the project will be well maintained beyond the award period.  Interested organisations are invited to make applications via Squire’s website until 29 February 2024.

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “Supporting the communities we serve has always been at the heart of our business.  Squire’s is about bringing plants and people together and our new award programme ‘Love Where You Live’, will celebrate this.

“Being outside and gardening have long been a source of benefit to mental and physical wellbeing. There has certainly been an increase in communities coming together in recent years through horticulture as it provides a positive platform for good. We are confident our ‘Love Where You Live’ programme will deliver much-needed assistance to local projects.

“These awards continue our support of our communities and will work alongside our long standing and successful ‘Charity of the Year’ programme, which sees each of our 16 centres working with one local charity for the duration of a year. In collaboration, our garden centre teams and their nominated charities work together raising funds through a series of initiatives ranging from raffles, collection boxes, charity events as well as through physical challenges like climbing Snowdon or a charity run. Over the years our teams have raised some fantastic amounts for their chosen charities, given back to the community, had lots of fun and importantly, forged some long-standing relationships with our charity partners and the community.”

Love Where You Live – Key Criteria

  • Applications are welcome from community gardening groups/projects/not-for-profit organisations (applications will not be accepted from business organisations or educational establishments)
  • Applications are welcome from charities (but applications cannot be made by current Squire’s ‘Charity of the Year’ organisations.)
  • Applications must include a detailed plan with goals to be achieved during the period March to end July 2024
  • Projects may be new or existing.
  • Applications must have permission to be on the land being used by the project.
  • Projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to the wider community (or a section of the community), who must be able to access the initiative.
  • The project must be located within a 10 miles radius of a Squire’s Garden Centre.
  • Applications must demonstrate that the project will be well maintained beyond the award period.
  • Applications must be signed by two signatories representing the project and confirm that they are representative of a group of people.

(Note: Educational organisations are not eligible to enter under the above qualifying criteria)

yew tree artwork

Celebrating National Tree Week with Sir William Worsley and Ted Green MBE

Posted on | by Emma

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.

All images by Luke Whatley-Bigg.

Sir William & Ted 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.
Newlands national tree week
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 & Harvey
Geoff newlands
Geoff 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 newlands
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’.”

Coalition newlands
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.

Symposium 2023
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.

Symposium 2023 1
(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

Guests were delighted to experience a short performance by Freewheelers Theatre Company, who premiered their first outdoor woodland themed piece at this year’s Surrey Hills Arts event ‘WonderDusk’. You can watch Freewheeler’s performance from 00:57:00 here and the WonderDusk video here.

Freewheelers symp
Freewheelers Theatre Company performing a piece inspired by trees and woodland.

National Tree Week concluded with the Surrey Hills team coming together to help manage the chalk grassland in the Southwest of the National Landscape.

Gordon Jackson, Chairman of our Surrey Hills Society, said.

“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.”

Tree popping SHE
The Surrey Hills team with Surrey Hills Enterprises members including Shetland Pony Club and Surrey Hills and Rivers.

Watch our Woodland Wonder short films here and the recording of the Surrey Hills Symposium here. #MySurreyHills

Trees from a new view

Posted on | by Emma

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).

Benefits of UK forests for health and wellbeing

Posted on | by Emma

Benefits of UK forests revealed with ground-breaking research into air chemistry for health and wellbeing

THE LATEST UK research conducted in July 2022 into the air quality of forests versus a walled garden environment reveals highly beneficial compounds found in the air, which aid physiological health and wellbeing.

The research was conducted in partnership with the University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences, the University of Derby’s College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, and The Forest Bathing Institute.

Carried out in semi-natural woodland just outside Sheffield, the study provides evidence that more Natural Volatile Organic Compounds (NVOCs) are found in older woodland and forest environments where there is more diversity of flora and fauna, and a variety of species of trees when compared to the control, an established walled garden setting with its own eco system of plants, wildlife and trees.

During a two-hour timeframe, air samples were collected and then analysed using mass spectrometry equipment which identifies compounds via their molecular weight, which in turn determines the structure and chemical properties of the molecules.

This research study is the first of its kind to be carried out in the UK and is significant in that it relates to Japanese research which has found air chemistry in woodland boosts the immune response.

Over the last thirty years, Japan has conducted research into the health benefits of nature. They are recognised as world leaders in studying the physiological and mental health benefits of spending time under the canopy of trees; a practice they refer to as ‘Shinrin-Yoku’ – translating into English as ‘Forest Bathing’.

Forest Bathing is a nature-based therapy, ideally within a woodland setting or ancient forest. It involves spending time slowing down, noticing the nature around you, being in touch with each of the senses and inhaling the higher oxygen content and chemicals present in the woodland area.

Currently the UK is over a decade behind in this area of scientific study, and The Forest Bathing Institute is spearheading the replication of these Japanese studies and expansion of international research into the health benefits of spending time in woodland and forests, with a large network of UK and international Universities.

These ground-breaking UK studies reveal that there were significant differences in the quality of the chemical composition of the air. Some NVOCs identified during the analysis were limonene, carvone, and other terpene, terpenoid and sesquiterpenoid compounds. The researchers concluded that spending just two hours Forest Bathing could provide beneficial exposure to participants from these NVOCs, along with the mindfulness practice that assists in achieving a more relaxed state.

In addition, in the context of Government suggestions to use reforestation as a way to tackle the climate crisis, the research indicates that planting schemes which include more diverse tree species (i.e. mixed evergreen and deciduous), are less managed and allow natural processes like succession to occur could be of benefit to the health of the forest environment, and also to humans.

Gary Evans, The Forest Bathing Institute Director & Co-Founder commented; “It is a small study, but the conclusions are revealing and significant in our continued replication of the Japanese scientific studies into analysing the benefits of the air quality in woodland areas in the UK. We plan to extend these studies; however we are delighted that there is now clear evidence of the particular chemicals found in our woodlands.”

Further scientific studies into the physiological health and mental wellbeing benefits are being planned. Currently, there are over a dozen universities who have expressed an interest in conducting research with The Forest Bathing Institute – funding is being sought to instigate these studies.

Find out more about The Forest Bathing Institute’s research and training.

Restoring Chalk Grassland with Surrey Hills Society

Posted on | by Emma

The Society has been working closely with the Hampton Estate in Puttenham to help restore an area of chalk grassland known as Longdown.

The extensive area requires the removal of small hawthorn trees to restore the habitat to botanically rich chalk grassland. This involves using ‘Tree Poppers’, bespoke tools that are used to lever inappropriate tree species out of the ground by the root.

The Society has helped to facilitate several volunteer groups to come and ‘pop’ hawthorn, contributing to the restoration of Longdown. So far, groups have included the Surrey Choices Growth Team, Halow, Defra (Farming in Protected Landscapes Team) and Butterfly Conservation. In fact, the Small Blue task group from Butterfly Conservation, are hoping to plant Kidney Vetch at the site, the foodplant that is crucial to the development of Small Blue caterpillars, the butterfly of which is one of our Surrey Hills species!

The volunteer effort has been great and a special thanks to the Hampton Estate for providing all our volunteers with a hot lunch as well as fantastic views over Puttenham Common.

Surrey choices chalk restoration