Surrey Hills Enterprises is delighted to announce a brand-new partnership with Porky Whites, the renowned Surrey sausage and formed meats producer, ahead of the Surrey Hills Fire & Food Fair 2026, taking place at Hogs Back Brewery, Tongham, on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October.
As part of the partnership, Porky Whites will host and judge a new competition launching now: “Hotdog Loading!” inviting young people from across the Surrey Hills to design their own dream “loaded” hot dog. Porky Whites supplies the sausage; the rest is up to the entrant’s imagination, with finalists bringing their recipe to life at a live cook-off for the chance to win some brilliant prizes
How to enter
Children and young people aged 10 to 16 are invited to send their dream “loaded” hot dog idea, including their creation’s name, ingredients and why it’s the best, to marketing@porkywhites.co.uk by 30 September 2026. Only the tastiest, most creative and inventive entries will be invited to the live cook-off at the Surrey Hills Fire & Food Festival.
Finalists will be notified directly by Porky Whites by Friday 9 October 2026, and confirmed finalists will need to be available to attend the Fire & Food Fair on Sunday 18 October for their live cook-off. Entry is one per child, judges’ decision is final, and a parent or guardian will need to be in attendance in line with health and safety and safeguarding policies. No purchase is necessary.
How the competition works
Finalists will go head-to-head in a series of live cook-off at the fair, with Porky Whites providing the hot dogs for entrants to bring their winning designs to life in front of a crowd.
Prizes include:
Finalists: a Porky Whites goodie bag
Overall winner: a voucher for a Porky Whites hamper
Runners-up from the original entry round: a discount code for entries to the Fair, plus a Porky Whites prize or pack of sausages on arrival
The competition is run in association with Surrey Hills Enterprises and The BBQ Magazine.
Francesca White, Managing Director of Porky Whites, said:
“We’re excited to be back out in our heartland, supporting this year’s Surrey Hills Fire & Food Fair. Family has always been at the heart of what we do, so we love that ‘Hotdog Loading!’ puts the next generation of young foodies in the driving seat and we can’t wait to see what they come up with.”
Maggie Howell, CEO of Surrey Hills Enterprises, said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Porky Whites to the Fire & Food Fair. This competition is exactly the kind of hands-on, family-friendly fun that makes the event so special, and we can’t wait to see what creative hot dog designs our young entrants come up with.”
Surrey Hills Fire & Food Fair 2026 runs from 12.00pm to 9.00pm on Saturday 17 October and 10.00am to 4.00pm on Sunday 18 October at Hogs Back Brewery, Manor Farm Business Park, The Street, Tongham, Surrey GU10 1DE. For tickets and further information, visit Surrey Hills Fire and Food Fair 2026 – Surrey Hills National Landscape
The Surrey Hills National Landscape has welcomed the submission by Natural England of its proposed boundary extension to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, marking the most significant step in the designation review process since it began in 2022.
The proposal would extend the Surrey Hills National Landscape by 129 square kilometres, an increase of more than 30%, bringing additional nationally important landscapes across Surrey, Hampshire and Greater London into the protected designation.
The submission follows more than four years of detailed assessment, consultation and engagement, with strong public and stakeholder support throughout the process. Natural England has now formally submitted all evidence, consultation findings and supporting documentation to the Secretary of State, who will make the final decision on whether to confirm the designation order.
Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills Board, said:
“We warmly welcome this important milestone and would like to thank Natural England for the considerable work that has gone into developing the proposal.
The proposed extension represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to recognise and protect more of the special landscapes that define Surrey Hills and the surrounding area.
We look forward to the next stage of the process and will be writing to the Secretary of State to invite her to visit Surrey Hills, so that she can experience first-hand both the existing National Landscape and the areas proposed for inclusion within the extended designation.”
The Surrey Hills National Landscape Board has consistently supported the proposed extension and believes it would help conserve and enhance landscapes of national importance while delivering wider benefits for nature, climate resilience, recreation, public health and sustainable rural communities.
The Secretary of State will now consider the proposal and supporting evidence before deciding whether to confirm the designation order. There is currently no statutory timescale for a decision.
Alanah Wyatt – daughter of Porky Whites Managing Director Francesca Wyatt – is set to open her first butchers’ shop and continue the White family’s 90-year butchery journey in Wokingham. Named A&G Whites Butchers, this brand-new butchers’ shop will see Alanah take over the existing butcher concession at the Wokingham branch of Squires Garden Centre.
Alanah represents the fourth generation of Whites to enter the butchery profession following her great grandfather and uncle Harry and Jim White (the originators of Porky Whites), her grandfather the late Graham White and her mother Francesca Wyatt.
Alanah Wyatt, Owner of A&G Whites Butchers, comments: “I want to dedicate this to my grandfather, whose love for the trade continues to inspire me and my family every day and I am honoured to continue his legacy with the opening of A&G Whites Butchers.”
Fran Wyatt, Managing Director of Porky Whites added; “From the moment Alanah decided that she wanted to be a butcher, I knew sooner or later she would own her own butchery business. A&G Whites Butchers is the culmination of her hard work and determination to bring this opportunity to life. As a butcher myself, I can hand on heart that her skills and craftsmanship are already exceptional, and I know this new collaboration with Squires is just the start for Alanah.”
Alanah is set to complete her Level 2 Butchery Apprenticeship from Plumpton College and honed her craft alongside a number of established butchery businesses. Whilst at Plumpton Alanah was the recipient of the prestigious Plumpton Values Award in recognition of those students who embody resilience and truly go above and beyond. Alanah was described by her Plumpton Head as “A passionate butcher. An ambitious learner. Determined, hardworking and endlessly supportive. Someone who rises above every challenge placed in front of her. Someone who asks the most intelligent questions.”
Peter Allen, Chairman of Aubrey Allen and Master for the Worshipful Company of Butchers said; “Butchers have long been at the heart of the community, and I’m thrilled to see a new generation embracing this craft. Alanah’s hard work and determination is an example to our industry, and I want to take a moment to wish her every success for A&G Whites Butchers now and in the future.”
A&G Whites Butchers’ counter follows on from a collaboration between Porky Whites and Squires Garden Centre which saw Porky Whites become an approved sausage and formed meats supplier to all 17 of their café bar restaurants. Opening from Tuesday 15th September 2026, the counter will sell a range of loose meat, hand trimmed bespoke butchery as well as pre-packed meat options including the Porky Whites’ retail range. Based on traditional butchers’ knowledge you can trust A&G Whites Butchers are passionate about quality, freshness, and serving our community with the very best produce.
A&G Whites Butchers will officially open on Saturday 19th September (9-6pm), with visitors met by Alanah and members of the White family, be able to tour the new counter and raise a glass to celebrate the opening.
Surrey Hills Sheep Parade to celebrate sheep and promote responsible dog walking
A colourful flock of 13 life-size sheep sculptures will begin its journey across the Surrey Hills this summer. The flock is at the heart of a new campaign highlighting the vital role sheep play in shaping the landscape and encouraging responsible dog walking around livestock.
The Surrey Hills Sheep Parade will officially launch on National Dog Day, Wednesday 26 August 2026, at Denbies Wine Estate, where the whole flock will be unveiled together for the first time. The launch will bring together local farmers, artists and communities to celebrate sheep and raise awareness of the importance of protecting livestock while enjoying the countryside.
The striking flock, individually painted by commissioned Surrey artists, will bring the campaign message to life with a simple reminder for visitors: keep dogs on leads where sheep graze.
Unlike a traditional sculpture trail, the flock will travel across the Surrey Hills over the coming months, visiting farms, National Trust sites and other visitor destinations. The travelling sheep will take the countryside care message directly to the places where livestock, farming and visitors meet.
Supporting nature recovery, sustainable farming and responsible access to the countryside are central to the work of Surrey Hills National Landscape.
Rob Fairbanks, Director of Surrey Hills National Landscape, said:
“The Surrey Hills Sheep Parade is a wonderful example of how creativity can inspire positive change. Sheep are among the unsung heroes of the Surrey Hills. They help create the chalk grasslands, support wildlife and shape the landscape that so many people love to explore, yet many people don’t realise just how important they are.
“This campaign celebrates their contribution while encouraging one simple action that can make a real difference. By bringing together local artists, farmers and communities, we hope the flock will spark conversations, raise awareness and help protect our livestock, our farming community and our outstanding landscape for generations to come.”
While the campaign celebrates everything sheep contribute to the Surrey Hills, it also highlights one of the most serious challenges facing sheep farmers: sheep worrying.
Sheep worrying is the legal term used when a dog attacks, chases or causes distress to sheep. Even dogs that appear playful can cause significant stress, injuries, miscarriages and, in the worst cases, death.
A survey from the National Sheep Association* found that 87% of sheep farmers had experienced a dog attack on their flock in the previous 12 months. Respondents on average reported four sheep deaths per year due to sheep worrying.
Tim Metson, Local Farmer and Chair of the Surrey Branch of the Country Land & Business Association (CLA),said:
“The Surrey Hills Sheep Parade campaign is extremely welcome and very timely. Attacks on sheep and other livestock in Surrey are far more common than many people realise.
“Earlier this month, two lambs on our farm were mauled and killed by dogs whose owner could not be traced. They were large lambs, so it must have been a particularly savage attack.
“While most owners are responsible, some still have little understanding of the impact an uncontrolled dog can have on livestock. Hopefully the Surrey Hills Sheep Parade will help turn the tide.”
George Curd, Restore Nature Delivery Manager, Surrey Hills, National Trust said:
“We welcome thousands of visitors to National Trust sites across the Surrey Hills each year, many of them exploring with their dogs.
“Sheep play a vital role in caring for these landscapes, helping maintain important habitats for wildlife and supporting nature recovery.
“The Sheep Parade is a fantastic way to celebrate these remarkable animals while encouraging responsible enjoyment of the countryside. It reminds people that keeping dogs on leads around livestock protects both farm animals and nature.”
The free launch event at Denbies Wine Estate will be the first opportunity to see the flock together before it begins its journey across the Surrey Hills.
Visitors will be able to meet the artists and farmers behind the campaign, enjoy dog training demonstrations, help name the sheep and discover where the flock will travel next.
Explore the Surrey Hills, uncover hidden history and experience the best of Dorking’s great outdoors this September.
Walking enthusiasts, families and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors are invited to pull on their walking boots this September as Dorking Walking Week returns with its biggest and most varied programme yet.
Taking place from 19–27 September 2026 as part of Hello Dorking’s Good Living Festival, Walking Week features more than 25 guided walks and outdoor experiences, celebrating the spectacular landscapes, fascinating heritage and vibrant community that make Dorking one of the South East’s premier walking destinations.
From gentle town trails and family-friendly adventures to countryside hikes through the Surrey Hills National Landscape, there is something for every age, ability and interest. Most walks are free to join, with many led by local experts, community organisations and passionate volunteers.
The programme includes scenic countryside walks, heritage tours, photography walks, wildlife experiences, forest bathing, wellbeing walks, railway history walks, family quiz trails and even ‘Netwalking’, combining fresh air with business networking.
Visitors can discover hidden green spaces with Mole Valley Ramblers, explore Dorking’s rich past with Dorking Museum, experience the calming benefits of Forest Bathing with Harmony in Nature, take part in a community litter pick with Hello Dorking, enjoy a family quiz walk with Friends of Dorking, or join local photographers in capturing some of the area’s most beautiful landscapes. The programme also includes walks hosted by Dorking Men’s Shed, Mums on the Move, Surrey Hills Society, Southeast Communities Rail Partnership and many other local organisations.
Many walks begin or end in Dorking town centre, encouraging visitors to spend time exploring the town’s independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants before or after their walk, making it easy to combine a day in the countryside with everything the town has to offer.
Jo McGowan of Hello Dorking said:
“Few towns are as perfectly placed for walking as Dorking. Within minutes you can be exploring the Surrey Hills, enjoying spectacular views across the North Downs, wandering through vineyards, discovering fascinating history or relaxing in beautiful green spaces before returning to our wonderful independent cafés, pubs and shops.
“Walking Week is about much more than exercise. It’s about discovering new places, improving wellbeing, meeting new people and celebrating the incredible landscape that surrounds Dorking. Whether you’re an experienced walker or simply fancy a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone.”
Walking Week forms part of the wider Good Living Festival, which runs from 12–27 September and brings together more than 50 local businesses for over 75 events, experiences and exclusive offers celebrating food, drink, creativity, wellbeing and the outdoors.
The full Walking Week programme, including booking information, is available at:
Surrey Hills Enterprises (SHE) is delighted to announce that De Vere Horsley Estate has been named the recipient of the 2026 Surrey Hills Gold Award, the organisation’s highest accolade recognising a member business that has demonstrated outstanding collaboration, sustainability and commitment to supporting the Surrey Hills business community.
Over the past year, De Vere Horsley Estate has become a shining example of what collaboration can achieve. Through an impressive programme of partnerships with fellow Surrey Hills Enterprises members, local producers, charities and industry organisations, the venue has consistently brought businesses together to create memorable experiences while championing the Surrey Hills as a destination.
From hosting networking events and industry showcases to supporting local suppliers through innovative food experiences, wellbeing activities and destination marketing initiatives, De Vere Horsley Estate has demonstrated that collaboration is at the heart of everything it does.
Some of the year’s highlights include collaborative wellbeing experiences, networking events for SHE members, fam visits introducing event professionals to the Surrey Hills, and creative partnerships showcasing the very best of the local area.
“De Vere Horsley Estate truly embodies everything the Surrey Hills Gold Award represents,” said Maggie Howell, CEO of Surrey Hills Enterprises. “Throughout the past year, they have consistently gone above and beyond to bring people together, champion fellow members and showcase the Surrey Hills through meaningful partnerships. Their commitment to collaboration has strengthened our business community and created opportunities that benefit not only individual businesses but the wider Surrey Hills economy. We are absolutely delighted to recognise their outstanding contribution with this year’s Gold Award.”
Alongside the Gold Award, Surrey Hills Enterprises also celebrated a number of members whose collaborations have made a significant impact over the past year through the presentation of the Collaboration Hero Awards.
The 2026 Collaboration Heroes are:
Shooting Star Children’s Hospices
Porky Whites
Vineyards of the Surrey Hills
Mandira’s Kitchen
Silent Pool Distillers
Squire’s Garden Centres
Hall Hunter
Hogs Back Brewery
The Boathouse Café
Hurtwood Inn
Each award recognised businesses that have embraced the Surrey Hills Enterprises ethos of working together, supporting one another and creating opportunities that benefit both members and the wider community.
The awards formed part of the annual Surrey Hills Enterprises Summer Party, hosted this year at the beautiful Gate Street Barn, where members came together to celebrate another successful year of collaboration, networking and business growth across the Surrey Hills.
Behind every independent enterprise, creative studio, and local artist in the Surrey Hills is a person with a story, a passion and a deep connection to this extraordinary landscape. This month, we celebrate some of the inspiring individuals shaping our community.
Inspired by Nature
The women helping others reconnect with nature, movement, and wellbeing.
Joyful Outdoors
Elspeth has designed warm, welcoming outdoor experiences to bring people back to nature and rediscover simple joy. Through gentle foraging walks, bushcraft, laughter yoga, and mindful time in the woods, she creates space for people to slow down, connect with others, and feel more grounded in the natural world. Her sessions are relaxed, playful, and uplifting, with a focus on wellbeing, connection, and joy in the outdoors.
Surrey Striders
Passionate advocate for outdoor fitness and wellbeing in the Surrey Hills, Vicky is an accredited instructor offering guided Nordic Walking sessions that help people of all ages and abilities get active in nature. She strongly believes in the many benefits that Nordic Walking can offer, both physically and mentally, and wants to share that feeling with everyone!
Surrey Hills Qigong
Sue Llewellyn, a former BBC journalist retrained as a Qigong instructor after experiencing burnout and seeking a more balanced way of life. Sue now teaches gentle, flowing Qigong sessions, combining breath, movement, and mindfulness to help people reduce stress, restore energy, and reconnect with themselves and nature. Her approach is calm, accessible, and rooted in both ancient Chinese practice and lived experience of wellbeing and recovery.
Amanda Weller Energy Alchemy
With over 15 years’ experience in energy therapies, Amanda offers intuitive wellbeing sessions designed to support balance, clarity, and emotional release. Her approach focuses on helping people move through stress, emotional blocks, and life challenges by reconnecting with their natural sense of calm and wellbeing.
HINOKI Forest Bathing
Lisa leads immersive forest bathing experiences inspired by the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku.
Through gentle, guided sessions in nature, Lisa encourages people to slow down, reconnect with their senses, and experience the calming benefits of the forest. Her work focuses on wellbeing, mindfulness, and helping people reduce stress through time spent in natural surroundings.
🌿Tip: These experiences aren’t about performance or doing it “right”, the benefit comes from switching off autopilot, noticing your senses, and letting the landscape do the work. A walk, a breath, a pause in the trees is often more powerful than it sounds!
Made by Hand & Heart
The artists, designers and makers keeping craftsmanship alive in the Surrey Hills.
Ruth Wheeler
As a local artist, sculptor and wellbeing practitioner Ruth’s work is deeply inspired by the natural world. Working from her woodland studio, she creates expressive wood sculptures, pyrography art and mixed media pieces using locally sourced materials and traditional techniques. and also runs creative workshops, retreats and yoga experiences.
RoniBs Kitchen
Award-winning artisan food producer, creating bold, flavour-packed sauces, condiments and preserves inspired by traditional Filipino recipes. Founded by Roni Bandong, the business combines heritage, creativity and high-quality ingredients to produce small-batch products that bring vibrant, authentic flavours into everyday cooking.
Amanda Winfield- Abinger Stained Glass
With nearly 40 years of experience, Amanda is a highly skilled stained glass artist passionate about preserving the traditional craftsmanship of medieval stained glass. Working from her Surrey Hills workshop, she creates bespoke pieces for homes, businesses and places of worship, combining time-honoured techniques with exceptional artistry and attention to detail. Her work reflects a deep respect for heritage, craftsmanship and the enduring beauty of handmade design.
Gianna’s Art Creations
Gianna creates expressive, contemporary artworks inspired by nature, colour and emotion. Working across a range of mediums, she produces original paintings and bespoke pieces designed to bring vibrancy and individuality into any space, all beautifully framed by her husband Kevin.
JK Forges
Jack Kerr is a talented young blacksmith and fabricator whose passion for traditional metalworking began at just 10 years old. Based in the Surrey Hills, he creates everything from handcrafted Japanese kitchen knives and garden pieces to bespoke gates and large-scale commissions, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity. As one of the few traditional blacksmiths working locally today, Jack is helping keep this historic rural craft alive for a new generation.
Nicky Chubb Art
Originally trained in fashion design at Central Saint Martins, Nicky Chubb is a mixed media artist whose uplifting work is inspired by colour, light and the changing landscapes around her home in the Surrey Hills. Her distinctive tree paintings, vibrant florals and expressive figurative pieces combine collage, texture and layered materials to create artwork full of movement, optimism and emotion.
KL Scarves
Kate Lloyd creates luxurious silk scarves from her own original photographs, transforming fine art imagery into elegant, wearable pieces. Based in the Surrey Hills, she works with a long-established family silk mill in England to produce beautifully printed scarves, each carefully designed to capture moments from nature, landscapes and travel in rich, expressive detail.
Nicola Antsey Design
Nicola sources unique pieces from markets in the UK and France – sofas, cabinets, tables, and chairs- and transforms them into bold, one-off designs using traditional upholstery and restoration techniques. Her work blends craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic, giving old furniture a new lease of life.
JK Enterprises
Joseph Kennedy started making rustic wooden gifts from fallen wood at just 13. Now a small workshop business creating bespoke handmade pieces for homes and local clients, and in 2023 received the Surrey Hills Enterprises “Young Entrepreneur Award” in recognition of his craftsmanship, sustainability, and entrepreneurial drive.
🎨Tip: Look out for local artisans and independent makers at markets, studios, or small workshops. Buying directly from them not only gets you something truly unique, but also helps keep traditional skills alive and supports sustainable, community-based creativity.
Driven by Passion
Founder-led businesses built on expertise, relationships and trusted local knowledge.
Martin Bamford Photography
Martin helps founders, consultants and creatives look credible and confident through relaxed, natural portrait photography designed to reflect who they really are on a good day. His sessions are guided and approachable, focused on removing awkwardness and capturing authentic, professional images that work across websites, social media, and press.
Helen Clifford Law
Helen founded her specialist personal injury law firm dedicated to helping people injured at work and their families secure justice.
With over 25 years’ experience, she focuses on complex, high-value cases, including serious brain and spinal injuries, often where liability is disputed. Her commitment is rooted in a strong family legacy of campaigning for safer working conditions.
Phil Howell – Intuition Un Ltd.
With over 30 years’ experience across global corporations, SMEs, and consulting projects, Phil mentors business owners and helps them turn complex challenges into clear strategy and practical action. His work focuses on leadership development, business growth, and helping people move from feeling stuck to making measurable progress.
Ide&s
Ian Jones is an experienced event producer and moderator with over 25 years in hospitality and events. Through Ide&s, he creates and moderates food and drink events, helping connect people with great food, brands, and producers. His work spans product launches, brand activations, employee engagement events, and festivals.
Hampton Digital Services Ltd.
Originally from New Zealand and now based in Surrey, Tracy Hampton brings a strong background in IT and web development, alongside a clear focus on simplicity, sustainability, and honest communication. She specialises in creating WordPress websites and digital systems that are easy to use, easy to maintain, and designed to help clients be found online and win work
The Vineyards of the Surrey Hills are delighted to announce the launch of the very first Surrey Hills Wine Week, taking place from Saturday May 30 to Sunday June 7, 2026.
Celebrating the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills collective – comprising Albury Organic Vineyard, Chilworth Manor Vineyard, Denbies Wine Estate, Greyfriars Vineyard, High Clandon Estate Vineyard, Soloms Court Wine Estate and Tanhurst Estate Vineyard – Surrey Hills Wine Week will showcase the very best of English wine through a unique programme of events.
Throughout the week, visitors will have the opportunity to explore multiple vineyards across the North Downs, each offering its own distinctive experiences –
from relaxed tastings and behind-the-scenes tours to full-blown wine festivals. All set against the stunning backdrop of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
“Surrey Hills Wine Week is a fantastic opportunity to bring together our vineyards and celebrate the quality, diversity and accessibility of English wine,” says Vineyards of the Surrey Hills’ Lucy Letley, general manager at Albury Organic Vineyard.
“Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable day out, this series of events invites visitors to discover the unique character of our vineyards and the landscape that shapes them.”
The launch of Surrey Hills Wine Week marks an exciting new chapter for the region’s wine tourism offering, building on the success of previous collaborative events and reinforcing the Surrey Hills’ position as a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
Visitors can expect not only exceptional wines – from elegant sparkling cuvées and crisp whites to fragrant rosés and fruity reds – but also breathtaking views, warm hospitality and a chance to experience one of England’s most picturesque and dynamic wine regions.
There are also plenty of extra-special reasons to celebrate: Tanhurst Estate Vineyard will be joining the festivities for the first time, Soloms Court Wine Estate will unveil its very first wine, and Denbies Wine Estate marks an impressive 40 years since planting its first vines.
With chalk soils mirroring those of the Champagne region and a growing international reputation for quality sparkling wines, Vineyards of the Surrey Hills offers a unique and accessible wine route just a short distance from London.
The Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme has supported the restoration of the historic parkland lakes at Loseley Park, revitalising them with clearer waters, healthier habitats, and reinstated scenic views. This week, civic guests, and members of the FiPL panel gathered at Loseley Park to celebrate the project—one of 26 pond and lake restoration projects funded across the Surrey Hills through FiPL to date.
The estate, steeped in history and home to the More-Molyneux family since the 16th century, applied to FiPL to bring the lakes back to life. The restoration has improved water quality and biodiversity by clearing back overgrown vegetation, while enhancing the visitor experience with new picnic benches and improved footpaths. A new Rail to Ramble route has also been developed connecting the lakes to Guildford station via this circular 7-mile route, utilising the North Downs Way and River Wey Navigation to pass highlights such as Watts Gallery and St Catherine’s Lock.
Group photo in front of restored lakes
Loseley Lakes during restoration
Restored lake
New picnic benches
Will Pryer, Team Leader for the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme at Defra said, “The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is making a real difference across England’s most treasured landscapes—supporting farmers and land managers to deliver for nature, climate, people and place. The restoration of the lakes at Loseley Park is a fantastic example of how FiPL funding is helping to preserve heritage landscapes while delivering tangible benefits for wildlife and local communities.”
Sarah Thiele, Surrey Hills Programme Manager said, “We’re incredibly grateful to Defra for the funding that makes projects like this possible. Working closely with farmers and land managers across the Surrey Hills has been invaluable in delivering meaningful improvements for nature, heritage, and people.”
The Surrey Hills FiPL programme has now supported over 100 transformative projects, helping to enrich the natural environment, boost climate resilience, and enhance public access and cultural heritage.
Farming in the Surrey Hills is about much more than producing food—it’s about sustaining communities, protecting nature, and preserving a way of life. This September, the Surrey Hills National Landscape is joining the NFU’s Back British Farming Day campaign to celebrate our female farmers who care for this extraordinary landscape and the innovative projects helping them thrive.
Farming has shaped the Surrey Hills landscape for centuries. Today, farmers face growing challenges—from rising costs and policy changes to environmental pressures.
This week, six powerful stories from female farmers are being shared across the Surrey Hills social media channels (@surreyhillsnl on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn):
Andrea speaks about how farming is a tough job, but the unique opportunity to be immersed in nature is brilliant for wellbeing.
Jenna, Surrey Hills Environmental Land Management Advisor. Click here to watch
Hear from Jenna, who lives on her family farm, about the support available for farmers within the National Landscape.
These stories are part of a wider movement to Back British Farming, supported by over 44,000 NFU members. By celebrating the farmers of the Surrey Hills, the campaign aims to ensure their voices are heard and their work is valued—not just for the food they produce, but for the landscapes and lives they help sustain.
Historic, family-run Tanhurst Estate is embarking on an exciting new chapter as it approaches its 200th anniversary in 2026. Nestled near the summit of Leith Hill, the estate recently unveiled a new on-site café and has now announced the first of a planned series of exclusive events celebrating its rich heritage, stunning natural beauty, and growing reputation for artisan winemaking.
In a further milestone, Tanhurst has become a Trademark Member of Surrey Hills Enterprises and the newest member of the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills. This places Tanhurst alongside some of the most respected vineyards in the region, reinforcing its commitment to quality, sustainability, and excellence in English winemaking.
In the lead-up to the milestone anniversary, Tanhurst will expand its offerings with seasonal events, curated tastings, and guided experiences that showcase its historic roots and unique landscape. Visitors can already enjoy stays in one of four charming holiday cottages, each providing direct access to scenic walking trails and breathtaking panoramic views.
Kicking off this expanded cultural program, the estate will host a live music evening on Thursday, 14th August. Acclaimed soprano Sarah-Jane, a Guildhall-trained performer who has sung for royalty and graced stages across Europe, will perform a relaxed set of pop classics from the ’60s to ’80s in the winery courtyard. Guests will be invited to savour Tanhurst wines paired with local artisan cheeses, creating a memorable celebration of music, heritage, and place.
Surrey Hills Enterprises (SHE), a not-for-profit championing sustainable local enterprise and community wellbeing, is proud to announce a transformative new partnership with Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, the only children’s hospice charity in Surrey. The partnership was officially launched at the SHE Summer Gala on 2 July 2025, marking the beginning of a powerful collaboration designed to raise awareness, drive fundraising, and deepen community engagement across the county.
This strategic alliance positions Shooting Star as the charity partner for all major SHE events and initiatives. Rooted in shared values of compassion, sustainability, and local empowerment, the partnership will provide Shooting Star with unparalleled visibility and engagement opportunities across Surrey’s vibrant business and community networks.
“This partnership is about a shared purpose,” said Maggie Howell, CEO of Surrey Hills Enterprises. “Together with Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, we are creating a platform for meaningful impact, connecting values-led businesses with a cause that touches the hearts of so many in our community.”
Through this collaboration, Shooting Star will benefit from:
– Brand visibility at flagship events such as the Surrey Hills Wood Fair, Fire & Food Fair, and Country Fair, reaching thousands of attendees.
– Fundraising integration via donation buttons, raffles, auctions, and Instagram charity tools.
– Corporate engagement with SHE’s network of over 240 sustainability-focused businesses.
– Experience-based opportunities for Shooting Star families, including workshops, nature days, and wellbeing activities.
– Strategic marketing support, including spotlight features, social media campaigns, and a dedicated web profile.
“We are honoured to be the charity partner of Surrey Hills Enterprises,” said Paul Farthing, Chief Executive at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. “This partnership is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the Surrey community in new and meaningful ways. By working together, we can raise vital funds and awareness, and bring more joy and support to the children and families who need us most.”
The partnership was formally unveiled at the SHE Summer Gala on July 2, where Shooting Star were introduced to the SHE member network and wider community. The evening included a special address from Shooting Star, highlighting the charity’s mission and the impact this partnership will help achieve.
