Society News Archives - Surrey Hills National Landscape

Surrey Hills Society welcomes new Chief Executive

Posted on January 21, 2026 | by Emma

Our close charity partner organisation, the Surrey Hills Society, has recently appointed its first ever Chief Executive Officer, Em Adler.

She has joined the Society at an exciting point in the charity’s evolution. The charity has moved in just a handful of years from an almost entirely volunteer run organisation to a team of five. It has expanded from providing its core programme of inspiring and engaging activities, walks and events for members to also delivering an impactful range of projects to restore nature and boost community access, well-being and skills learning across the Surrey Hills.

Exciting projects the Surrey Hills National Landscape has worked with the Society on recently include Farm for Health – a mental well-being scheme based on working farms in the Surrey Hills, which has supported dozens of people with their mental health. Our Growing Together project has run almost 100 events and wider activities to bring together diverse communities with the natural beauty of the Surrey Hills and the benefits of engaging with nature. And a volunteering and ranger service programme is promoting conservation and sustainable access to our countryside and delivering essential route and nature restoration.

Em Adler, CEO of the Surrey Hills Society, said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen as the first CEO of the Surrey Hills Society. We have a brilliant team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make the Surrey Hills a better place to live-in, visit and enjoy.

“The Society has a proud heritage of protecting our precious natural landscape and ensuring as many people as possible can enjoy and be inspired by the Surrey Hills. From leading amazing walks across the beautiful countryside, to restoring footpath networks, planting and maintaining trees and hedgerows and delivering projects which boost access and wellbeing in nature for hundreds of people each year. I’m excited to be building from such strong roots and to help the charity to branch out even further.”

Em has joined the Surrey Hills family after eight years at the biggest environmental coalition in England, Wildlife and Countryside Link, where she led on communications, campaigning, research and operations. She brings with her a wealth of experience working with national charities including the National Trust, RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts and the Rivers Trusts and sector specialist experts like CHEM Trust, the Soil Association and the Nature Friendly Farming Network working to secure nature-restoring law on the page and practical policies that benefit nature, people and climate.

Highlights include leading delivery on the campaign that secured the world’s first legal deadline to restore wildlife populations and co-leading the biggest ever assembly for climate and nature in the UK – the Restore Nature Now March – which saw up to 100,000 people take to the streets of London to call for measures to restore nature and climate.

New Children’s Book “A Raindrop Falls” Launches

Posted on November 11, 2025 | by Emma

New Children’s Book “A Raindrop Falls” Launches – Children inspiring us all to protect our water resources

Down once more I tumble,

Splashing free of sorrow.

Make the water blue again,

The rain will drop tomorrow…

– Children’s chorus from A Raindrop Falls

A new children’s book, A Raindrop Falls, celebrates the beauty and fragility of the Surrey Hills watercourses through the eyes of local schoolchildren. Funded by the Surrey Hills National Landscape, this book was launched at the historic Wotton House hotel, where the children were presented their books by Tim Hall, Chairman of Surrey County Council. The book is the result of a collaboration that brings conservation, creativity, and community together to inspire a better future for our rivers.

A Raindrop Falls was co-created by children from St Mark and All Saints C of E Primary School, Godalming, alongside author Lucy Reynolds and illustrator Katie Hickey. Over the course of seven workshops, both in the classroom and out in the field, students explored the journey of water from source to sea, translating their learning into poetry and illustrations that now fill the pages of this book, kindly published by Old Dungate Press.

The children physically traced the River Tillingbourne from its source near Abinger Common through Gomshall, Shere, and Shalford, where it joins the River Wey. Along the way, they learned to identify plant and animal species, studied river characteristics from upstream to estuary, and conducted water quality monitoring—testing for pH, nitrates, phosphates, and aquatic life. This hands-on experience was part of a wider citizen science initiative led by the River Wey Trust and Zero Carbon Guildford, empowering young people to understand the impact of human, agricultural, and industrial activity on river health.

Author Lucy Reynolds said.

“It’s been such a privilege working with the children to create A Raindrop Falls. Katie and I have been blown away by their imagination, creativity and care for the natural world – and by their determination to be part of a brighter future for our rivers. We hope they’re super proud of their beautiful creation as it shines out from the shelves!”

Tim Hall, Chairman of Surrey County Council said.

“Enabling children to experience and understand our watercourses in Surrey is helping inspire our next generation of environmental ambassadors to secure a better, healthier future for us all. This is such an important project for the Surrey Hills National Landscape to support.”

Ben, Zero Carbon Guildford said.

“Our waterways are in crisis, which has negative impacts on our health, the local economy and Surrey’s above-average rates of nature loss. No rivers in England currently meet good chemical status, but this book is filled with hope. It shows that through education, creativity, and community action, we can inspire the next generation to protect our wild waters.”

Through poetic writing and illustration workshops, the children transformed their scientific observations into a compelling narrative which not only educates but uplifts. A Raindrop Falls is a call to action and a celebration of the Surrey Hills landscape, ecology, and the power of young voices.

Copies will be made available at Surrey libraries, and you can purchase the book at all good book stores, with proceeds going to charity. This book is the second Surrey Hills book co-created with Lucy and Katie, the first being The Thousand Year Tree, more information here.

The project was made possible with thanks to:

St Mark and All Saints C of E Primary School, Godalming
Lucy Reynolds and Katie Hickey
Surrey Hills National Landscape
Surrey Hills Society
Guildford Book Festival
Old Dungate Press
The River Wey Trust
Juniper Hall Field Studies Centre
Zero Carbon Guildford
Gomshall Mill
Wotton House Hotel
Shere Museum
Shere Hall
Surrey Libraries

Surrey Hills cycling at Devil's Punch Bowl

Pedal with purpose – Surrey cyclists encouraged to volunteer

Posted on June 9, 2025 | by Emma

This Bike Week (09 – 15 June) Surrey Hills Society is calling on all budding bikers who want to give something back to the landscape they enjoy riding through.

The Society, a small charity focussing on improving conservation and access, is assisting the Surrey Hills National Landscape by looking after five off-road cycle routes in southwest Surrey.

It is now looking for volunteers to help with this work around Puttenham, Elstead, Thursley, Frensham and the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

Totalling just under 55 miles, these loop routes are all largely off-road or use quiet roads and are perfect for those keen to escape the traffic and explore nature. Each route is individually waymarked with distinctive colouring, but riders are also able to use Komoot (an app like Google maps but for where the roads end) to guide them along the trails.

The Society is keen to identify people who would be interested in riding the routes and assisting with a variety of tasks including litter picking, waymarking and reporting of any issues on the route, such as fallen trees, flooding or erosion.

Kate Bannister, Surrey Hills Society Volunteer Coordinator said:

“If you’re someone who loves riding off-road and always wanted to learn more about how routes are put together using rights of way and what goes on behind the scenes, then this is the opportunity for you!

Knowing how busy everyone is day to day; these roles are designed to be flexible and fit around our volunteers’ schedules. Whatever help we receive will go a long way to ensuring more people can explore the countryside, while also helping in our conservation efforts by keeping riders on the right path.”

These volunteer roles are designed to be done at a time most suited to the individual riders, with a set schedule of tasks being provided over time. Committed volunteers will also be able to receive mentoring and training from the Society, making it an ideal role for people looking to develop the skills for countryside management jobs.

Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills National Landscape Director said:

“One of the overwhelming bits of feedback we received in our recent management plan survey was the importance Surrey residents put on both conservation and access to the Surrey Hills.

This volunteering opportunity is great example of balancing both aspects, and we look forward to sharing our commitment to enhancing visitor experiences whilst making space for nature with our passionate volunteers.”

Volunteers can find out more and register their interest at: https://www.surreyhillssociety.org/volunteer-2/

Helping on the farm reaps mental health benefits

Posted on May 14, 2025 | by Emma

BBC article regarding our Surrey Hills Society’s Care Farm project:

On a farm nestled in the Surrey Hills, young people are helping herd cows and build pens so they can be wormed.

They are spending time on Pondtail Farm in Brockham, near Box Hill, to help boost their mental health as part of the Care Farm project.

Katie Daw, the Surrey Hills Society Care Farm co-ordinator, said the scheme was boosting young people’s confidence and wellbeing, and reducing anxiety.

Ronnie, aged 17, said helping out on the farm was “like heaven on earth to me”.

“People are sleeping better, eating better, wanting to actually get up and get out of the house, which a lot of them really can’t because their mental health is so bad,” said Ms Daw.

“We take anybody that’s suffering from mental health or needs a boost with their health and wellbeing and we take them out to working farms.”

She said that sessions involve farm jobs such as “collecting eggs or tagging cattle”, depending on “what they need for their mental health”.

“It’s been really impactful, there has been a couple of participants that have looked into doing agriculture as a career,” she added.

She said it also had a knock-on effect for families and carers and could make a “massive difference”.

A young woman with shoulder length dark hair and and wearing a black jacket is standing in front of a pen with cows inside. None of them are looking at the camera. A church spire can be seen in the background. — Getting outdoors can boost wellbeing said Ronnie, who has helped out on the farm

Ronnie, 17, has found solace on the farm and learnt new skills.

She said: “Just being around nature makes me quite a lot happier and just being here is like heaven on earth to me.

“It means quite a lot to me just being around the animals.”

Peter, who is 16, said he enjoyed “just getting away from everything” and found the farm peaceful.

A teenager dressed in a hoody and blue trousers is holding a stick in a lush green farm field. He has black and brown cows walking behind him. — Peter helped herd the cows and recommended the Farm Care project

Nellie Budd, from Pondtail Farm, said: “There’s always something different to do and for them to come and have a look at.

“I’ve definitely seen quite a few of them change and feel more confident with and around the animals.”

One young person would not go near the animals on their first day but “they won’t even hesitate” now, she said.

“It’s given them the confidence they need to realise that they can achieve things.”

Dressed in a green top and red cap a teenager stands beside a tractor with large wheels. several cows are in the background and one is grazing the grass.

The project opened Thea’s eyes to a range of outdoors careers

Thea, 14, has now gained a place at agricultural college to study horticulture.

She said Care Farm had given her “a lot more confidence with people and animals”.

Bethany, who is 17, added: “I really enjoy spending time with the cows and all the different animals around.

“It’s just a good way to get out to the house and spend time in the countryside.”

The pilot scheme is backed by a £65,900 award from the Mental Health Investment Fund and the Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.

Julia Gregory

Reporter BBC Surrey

The Story of Surrey’s Thousand Year-Old Trees

Posted on December 13, 2024 | by Emma

The Surrey Hills Society are very proud to announce the completion of our collaborative project to create a book entitled ‘The Thousand Year Tree’ that tells the story through time of Surrey’s ancient trees. It is the culmination of a year-long project to bring a bud of an idea to maturity working with local author, Lucy Reynolds and Katie Hickey, illustrator.

The Society successfully sought funding from Defra’s Access for All fund with the help of the Surrey Hills National Landscape Board and we have been involved at every step of the creative process to bring this book to publication.

One of our core aims is conservation. A mature tree may look majestic and strong but it is fragile if not cared for in the right way. This book seeks to highlight that. We brought a local Guildford school, Weyfield Primary Academy, to visit and learn about the ancient yews at Newlands Corner and how we need to look after them to ensure their future. This was followed up by a series of workshops where the children’s amazing creativity inspired most of the illustrations and words to co-create the book.

Luke, aged 9, one of the pupils involved at Weyfield Primary Academy said: “I liked when we looked at the yew trees, described them and all the great work everyone did at the workshops.”

A competition was then launched through Surrey Libraries’ network to engage all young people aged 4 to 11 across Surrey to submit a design for the endpapers of the book. The four winners have received a copy of the printed book.

Old Dungate Press have generously printed 1,000 copies of the book that are on sale at Haslemere Bookshop, please follow the link to order online. Any profits from sales will come back to the Surrey Hills Society for future conservation work and ‘Access for All’ projects. Copies will be given to local Surrey schools and each of Surrey’s 52 libraries will have a copy to borrow. Each child in Pine Class at Weyfield Primary Academy received a copy as well as a Certificate of Achievement to mark their involvement at the launch event held at Newlands Corner on 2 December.

Gordon Jackson, Chair of the Surrey Hills Society adds: “This project has exceeded our expectations. Not only have the children produced a stunning book but we have been able to reach a diverse group of children who were excited to explore some of our most important ancient trees and develop their understanding of how long the trees have been alive set against a historic timeline. I would like to express my thanks to Lucy Reynolds and Katie Hickey for the inspiration behind this project and Old Dungate Press and Guildford Book Festival for helping the book come to fruition. This project was a real collaboration and I must also thank Surrey County Council’s Countryside and Libraries teams for their assistance with the competition and of course the Surrey Hills Access for All Fund which has enabled
the whole project to happen.”

New Signs Celebrate Surrey Hills’ Invertebrate Wonders

Posted on September 5, 2024 | 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 June 10, 2024 | by Emma

An exciting competition kicked off across Surrey on the 1^st 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.

More than a Railway: Connecting Communities to Countryside Experiences

Posted on May 23, 2024 | by Emma

To celebrate Community Rail Network’s Community Rail Week, customers from Surrey Choices Vocational Projects Team (an organisation providing support to adults with learning disabilities) embarked on an immersive journey through two picturesque landscapes, courtesy of the North Downs railway line. This year focuses on ‘More than a Railway’, and with thanks to Great Western Railway’s funding, the Surrey Choices team had the opportunity to experience both the Surrey Hills National Landscape and Blackwater Valley whilst gaining valuable insights into safe and efficient travel on the train.

Aboard the train, the group took part in a creative session inspired by the landscape of the Surrey Hills. Upon reaching Farnborough North in the heart of the Blackwater Valley, they explored tranquil fishing lakes and regenerated gravel pits, offering a striking contrast to the chalk hills of Surrey. There was also a visit to Reg’s Garden, a beautiful community garden looked after by dedicated volunteers from Farnborough Street Resident’s Association.

This initiative embodies inclusivity, aiming to help communities feel confident using the train, as well as experiencing it as a new way to visit neighboring countryside. It is exemplary of how Community Rail Partnerships not only connect people to the railway, but also to the surrounding history, heritage, and nature. This pilot project is a collaborative effort between Surrey Hills National Landscape, Surrey Hills Society, Southeast Communities Rail Partnership, and the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust.

Surrey Hills Society project receives National Lottery Heritage Funding

Posted on April 25, 2024 | by Emma

Our Surrey Hills needs everyone’s help to keep it special for the future

Surrey Hills Society are thrilled to announce that they have received a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund of just under £145,000 for their project ‘Growing Together: Inclusion and Conservation in the Surrey Hills’. A big thank you to all National Lottery players for helping to make this happen.

The core objective of ‘Growing Together’ is to establish a legacy into the future for inclusive environmental conservation. The Society is employing a dedicated project officer, who will seek out, encourage and nurture a diverse community of environmental champions to actively participate in conservation projects. We are committed to engaging with the community and believe that everyone should have a chance to learn about, care for and preserve our special Surrey Hills National Landscape for the future.

In 1949 the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act stated that protected landscapes should be preserved as spaces for physical and mental wellbeing for all. However, a 2023 survey of green volunteering opportunities for disabled people in Surrey concluded that they face significant barriers to being able to participate in activities. Our project is a proactive step towards bridging these gaps.

Gordon Jackson, Chairman of the Society says: “Over the last couple of years, The Society has developed an extensive programme of local conservation and countryside activities, aiming to inspire people of all abilities and backgrounds to learn about the environment and help to conserve our varied habitats. ‘Growing Together’ is a natural extension of this work and we are delighted, thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, to be able to work alongside our new partners to promote accessible countryside pursuits and to increase confidence in being outdoors.”

We already work closely with a number of charitable organisations in the sector. Representatives from Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and Surrey Choices have made the following statement:
“We are delighted to be partners in a project that holds inclusion at its very core. ‘Growing Together’ will provide important opportunities for those who traditionally face barriers when accessing the countryside. We believe this project will help the people we support to enjoy new experiences, learn new skills, build relationships and connect with the heritage of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.”

The project will run for 18 months and will be monitored for success by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Surrey Hills Society secures grant for East Surrey Care Farm Pilot

Posted on March 11, 2024 | by Emma

The Surrey Hills Society is delighted to have received a grant from the Mental Health Investment Fund (MHIF) a joint fund from Surrey Heartlands and Surrey County Council to implement an East Surrey Care Farm Pilot Project. This funding will enable the implementation of the care farming programme, an initiative aimed at enhancing mental well-being through farm visits.

In collaboration with Growing Health Together and the Surrey Hills National Landscape, the Surrey Hills Society has appointed Katie Daws as the Project Officer. Katie will work closely with local farmers to orchestrate farm visits designed to promote therapeutic care for individuals facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges. This not only includes farming activities, but also nurturing the special relationship that artistic activities can bring during visits to the farms.

Katie Daws, Project Officer for the East Surrey Care Farm Project said.
“This project is a unique opportunity to develop a new, supportive environment on local farms. I have seen from my previous experiences on farms supporting vulnerable people with mental health needs that the impact goes beyond a sense of comfort for the participants. The positive impact extends to the farmers in regard to their well-being and a new source of income.”

These sessions are tailored to support the mental health of people across all ages and backgrounds. The project recognises the profound benefits of connecting with nature and farming practices, particularly for groups that have been underserved by conventional services. It seeks to engage individuals currently struggling to access support for their mental well-being, offering a new approach for mental health and social prescribing in Surrey.

Dr Gillian Orrow, GP, Co-founder and Director of Growing Health Together said.
“I am excited for the launch of the Care Farm Pilot in East Surrey, which will offer children, young people and adults with a range of health and care support needs, opportunities to connect with nature and animals on local working farms. The initiative responds to calls from our patients and their families for a more diversified local offer to support mental health and wellbeing, one that centres nature connection and the active role people can play in their own recovery. I am excited to see the impact this project will bring”.

This grant marks a significant milestone in the Surrey Hills Society’s commitment in fostering improved well-being through connection to nature.

Rob Fairbanks, Director of the Surrey Hills National Landscape said.
“Farmers in Surrey are the custodians of our countryside, helping to maintain our landscape, provide food and create space for nature. This project pilots the health benefits for some of the most vulnerable members of society through therapeutic contact with farm animals. We are grateful for the funding from the Mental Health Investment Fund for our Surrey Hills Society to pilot this approach. It is an opportunity to evidence the impact so that we can work with the farming community and partners to extend the programme in future years.”

Surrey Hills awarded with ‘Working in Partnership and Communities’

Posted on June 8, 2023 | by Emma

Surrey Hills team awarded with the ‘Working in Partnership and Communities’ Award

A huge thank you to Surrey Choices for awarding our Surrey Hills Society and wider team with their ‘Working in Partnership and Communities’ award at Denbies Wine Estate! We have delivered some fantastic projects to help make space for nature with the Surrey Choices Growth Team including dead hedging and tree popping. We look forward to many more projects to come to help enhance and support the species and habitat in the Surrey Hills.

Discover some of the projects we have delivered with the Surrey Choices Growth Team here.

Surrey Hills Arts launches ‘HABITAT’

Posted on July 29, 2022 | by Caroline | Leave a Comment

On Wednesday 27 July, Surrey Hills Arts celebrated their launch of ‘HABITAT’ at the University of Surrey. ‘HABITAT’ is an Arts Council funded project working collaboratively with the University of Surrey and Surrey Wildlife Trust, exploring how artists can positively contribute to increasing biodiversity in urban spaces.

As an experimental pilot project, a built-up space at the University of Surrey was selected. Working with the University’s Horticultural and Landscape Manager and Archives and Special Collections Manager, the Surrey Wildlife Trust and four artists, the project set out to transform the area with planting and sculptures created specially to attract and support local wildlife. The artists worked collectively as well as independently researching local declining species and experimenting with designs and maquettes towards their final artworks.

This project has been a wonderful collaboration across campus teams, with local organisations and artists, and a range of community groups. The launch event was attended by representatives from arts, environment, community and civic organisations and the lively discussions revealed the potential of this project, and the creative way it addressed environmental issues, as a springboard for further initiatives across the area.
Helen Roberts, Archives and Special Collections Manager, University of Surrey

HABITAT team with the Mayor of Guildford during the project launch evening at the University of Surrey. Image by Paul Stead

Supporting species at the base of the food chain was the focus for artist Livia Spinolo. By increasing the population of slugs and snails this will attract birds such as the Song Thrush and Bull Finch. Her artwork ‘Vertical Undergrowth’ is a tower of repurposed concrete slabs planted with natural elements such as soil, moss, and native plants. Situated in a shady location, this feature will attract invertebrates whilst providing ledges for the birds.

Nearby to ‘Vertical Undergrowth’, lies a sculpture housing discarded branches. Over 50% of insects that rely on deadwood are threatened in Surrey. Creatures such as beetles, bees, butterflies, wasps, wood boring insects and in turn, their predators, are at risk. ‘Benjes Ark’ by Russell Jakubowski is able to be regularly restocked as the wood breaks down and in creating two ‘arks’ of different scales and locations, we are able to monitor the species attracted to different conditions. The Arks provide a hiding place and a micro-climate. Their densely packed enclosures also act as a refuge for reptiles such as toads, lizards and hedgehogs.

Livia Spinolo with her artwork *Vertical Undergrowth*
Image by Paul Stead

Artist Amy Haigh has created a ‘Reconfigured Cycle Rack’ that was no longer needed by the University. She cut this into 600 pieces and reassembled it to create a dome structure with a log pile at its centre. Amy’s research for the piece focused on slow worms and stag beetles as protected species present in the area. She found that decaying logs are fundamental for stag beetles as a food source and by planting them deep in the ground, the beetle larvae are able to migrate between the soil and wood. The shade helps to create damper conditions and therefore softer soil, required by stag beetles and other invertebrate species, some of which slow worms feed on. Amy embedded the lowest ring of pipes in the soil, forming tunnels in every direction creating safe terrain for slow worms.

‘HexB’ by Will Nash utilises his fascination with natural geometry and sequences to develop new sculptural ideas for solitary bee architecture using 3D printing, silicone moulding, and cast Jesmonite. Will invented a prototype system of nest holes that can be easily disassembled for the annual harvesting of the bee cocoons then cleaned for reuse. As a legacy to this project, Will plans to work with solitary bee enthusiasts to trial the HexB system alongside their other bee nests.

Amy Haigh with her artwork *Reconfigured Cycle Rack*
Image by Paul Stead

Will Nash with his artwork *HexB*
Image by Paul Stead

The artworks will be monitored over the seasons to assess which species are benefitting and to help us to plan further eco spaces across the county. The artists also came up with some simple sculptural habitat ideas that everyone can make from a willow nest ball to a bird feeder. They ran workshops with local community groups including Halow, The Hive and Kings College secondary school. In all, 400 people learned about their local species and created artworks to support them. An additional benefit of this reconfigured space and the sculptural habitats within it, is that it provides a much-improved area for students of the University to take a break, be more mindful of wildlife and, hopefully, positively impact their wellbeing.

Artists want to make a difference to our biodiversity crisis, and this project has given them time to create pieces that help support the many species sadly in decline in the county. This much needed experimental project provides a positive starting point towards greener Surrey communities.
Ali Clarke, Programme Manager, Surrey Hills Arts

Surrey Hills Arts are working with Surrey Hills Society to fundraise for Part 2 of the project. You can support their Your Fund Surrey application by agreeing and commenting on the proposal here.

You can read more about the Habitat project at www.surreyhillsarts.org/habitat