Category: _

Heritage and culture in the Surrey Hills

Posted on | by Vicky Goode

Our beautiful corner of the world is rich in nature but also in culture and heritage. From stunning days out to historic houses and landscaped gardens, to exploring history and artworks at our museums and art galleries, member organisations of Surrey Hills Enterprises have a wealth of enrichment to offer you.

Scroll down to take a look at the many diverse offerings, and plan your next trip now!

Painshill Park

Painshill Park 18th century landscape garden was created between 1738 and 1773, by the Hon. Charles Hamilton. Inspired by landscape paintings and his Grand Tours across Europe, he created a sequence of breathtaking and surprising vistas. The landscapes form living works of art into which Hamilton placed follies for dramatic effect. You may have seen glimpses of the park in the Bridgerton series.

There is a great deal to see as you ‘walk the work of art’ at Painshill. From the crystal grotto to the Turkish tent to the Temple of Bacchus, and much more.

Surrey Hills International Music Festival

Surrey Hills International Music Festival takes place in May each year, bringing top international artists to the beautiful Surrey Countryside. Next year’s fabulous line up includes walks, talks and concerts, at venues including West Horsley Place and the Menuhin Hall.

Tickets are available to purchase from Tuesday 7th January 2025

Watts Gallery

Founded in 1904 as the only gallery in the UK devoted to a single artist, Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village offers a unique insight into the life and work of ‘England’s Michelangelo’ George Frederic Watts and his wife Mary Watts, the designer and founder of The Potters’ Arts Guild at Compton.
There are regular exhibitions and the gallery undertakes community outreach work, as well as educational projects and support for emerging artists.
A visit to Watts Gallery isn’t complete without a visit to the Tea Shop with its renowned Welsh Rarebit amongst other delights on offer.

The National Trust

The National Trust in Surrey has a truly breathtaking range of properties and gardens. Everything from the partially ruined Clandon Park, to the grade 1 listed Claremont Landscape Garden. You can enjoy the stunning views from the top of Box Hill, or take in the birthplace of the Magna Carta at Runnymede.
There are great options for kids too – for example The Tiger Who Came To Tea trail at Polesden Lacey and the Tree Adventure play area at the gorgeous Winkworth Arboretum.

The Rural Life Living Museum

The Rural Life Living Museum is a unique collection of the discarded buildings, implements and objects of everyday life, collected by Madge and Henry Jackson since 1968. The couple opened their back garden to the public in 1973 and since then many thousands of people have donated objects and volunteered their time, support and skills. In 2024, they now have some 20 buildings and a collection of 40,000 objects displayed.

Sadly the rising cost of operating the museum now means that expenditure outstrips income generated through ticket sales and donations. The future of this wonderful museum is at risk – please consider donating to protect its future.

West Horsley Place

Known by many as the ghost-filled Button House in the hit BBC TV series Ghosts,  West Horsley Place is an estate of 380 acres. At its centre is the Grade I listed manor house dating from 1425 which is framed by a 5 acre walled garden.

The property holds a wide range of events including poetry, storytelling, guided walks, and, as you can see in the flyer below, a fantastic Christmas Artisan Market in November where you can stock up on Christmas goodies from a wide range of Surrey Hills artisans.

Explore more Arts & culture in the Surrey Hills by clicking here
/td>
Nature Calling

Surrey Hills National Landscape Major Hub in £2M Ground-Breaking National Art Project

Posted on | by Emma

The Surrey Hills National Landscape is going to feature as a major hub in a £2M ground-breaking national art project, Nature Calling, which is funded by Arts Council England, the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) and National Landscapes in England.

Nature Calling is a first for National Landscapes because of its size, scope and the level of investment. It aims to inspire communities across England to connect with National Landscapes, increasing their access to nature, improving their wellbeing [1] and inspiring a sense of belonging in these special places [2].

Nature Calling will bring together the 34 National Landscapes in England, local arts organisations and community groups from within a 30-minute journey time of their nearby National Landscape. They will work together to co-create artworks inspired by these iconic places and the results will then be shared with the public in a Season of Art from May – October 2025. It is expected that 70,000 people will take part.

National Landscapes are the UK’s nearby countryside. 66% of people in England (44 million) live within 30 minutes of a National Landscape, over 1 million people live within them and at least 170 million people visit every year. Nature Calling aims to encourage even more communities to feel welcome to enjoy these special places on their own terms.

Here at the Surrey Hills National Landscape, our Surrey Hills Arts programme will be working with communities in New Addington in the Borough of Croydon and as the project develops, more information will be shared about how you can get involved. We are delighted to be collaborating with game-maker and graphic-novelist Blandy & Locke, as well as musician/rapper, Still Shadey.

 

Blandy & Locke said.

“We are really excited to be working on the commission for Nature Calling. Our work has always been shaped by our own environmental concerns and our understanding of the importance of having a deep connection to the natural world. We hope to inspire people to enjoy exploring their surroundings, to find escape, meaning and each other through the landscape”. ( @davidblandyrpgs and @daniellocke)

Still Shadey said.

“I’m excited to share my vision for ‘Nature’s Anthem: A Journey Through Surrey Hills’. Growing up in the diverse community of New Addington, I experienced firsthand the power of nature as a source of healing and inspiration. Raised by Nigerian migrant parents, my connection to nature was limited due to various barriers, but those rare moments spent in green spaces left a profound impact on me. Through this project, I aim to share that transformative experience with others, particularly those from underrepresented communities” (@stillshadey)

John Watkins, Chief Executive of the National Landscapes Association said:

“The great thing about Nature Calling is that it’s a chance for new voices to interpret the National Landscapes of England in new ways. Arts Council England and Defra funding means we can deliver our first all-England arts programme with six National Landscape teams working with artists to celebrate these iconic places with a season of events in 2025.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:

“Throughout time, our greatest artists have been inspired by England’s wonderful landscape. Now, we’re supporting a new generation of artists to bring to life their own awe-inspiring work in response to our natural environment. I’m excited to see what they will create.”

 

Nature Calling is a partnership project between the National Landscapes Association, Activate Performing Arts, Poetry School and 6 National Landscapes that will operate as key hubs of activity [3]. Taking inspiration from National Landscapes, writers will start the creative process with words in the form of poetry, song, prose or rap for example. Using these words, local communities will work with artists to co-create their presentation piece for the Season of Art. This could include dance, theatre, installation, digital, or music.

To get find out more and ways to get involved visit www.naturecalling.org.uk

Growing Together launch

Surrey Hills Society project receives National Lottery Heritage Funding

Posted on | 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.

Down on the Farm – portraits of contemporary farming life

Posted on | by Maggie Howell

By Siân Tyrrell – photographer at Siân T. Photography in conjunction with Little Cowdray Glamping and the Rural Life Living Museum.

Dates – Wednesday 13 March to Sunday 7 April 2024
Opening Times – 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday
Location – Rural Life Living Museum, Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2DL

Entry fees for the Rural Life Living Museum apply – see here for details

The exhibition coincides with the Rural Life Living Museum’s annual vintage tractor event, 16 to 17th of March, and closes with the Surrey Hills Spring Fair on 6 and 7 of April. Siân will be available at both events to discuss the exhibition.

‘Down on the farm” is an eclectic selection of photographs, made over 6 years documenting life at Little Cowdray farm in Surrey. From vintage tractor restoration projects, to ploughing matches, animal husbandry and family events these images give an unprecedented insight into what it’s like being a farmer in 21 century Britain.

Working closely with the Goble family, who built and have lived for four generations at Little Cowdray, Siân has brought to life that feeling of deep connection with the land that she gets when visiting the farm. Siân says “while farm life is a whole soul and whole body commitment, those who choose it radiate a unique contentment that is both energising and peaceful”

Lucy who features alongside her parents, grandparents, siblings and children in the project says “none of us like being in front of the camera, but working with Sian made us appreciate the importance of the little things that we take for granted” while her sister Emily reflects “These moments in time have been captured for us to look back on with future generations. Sian has a brilliant eye for natural photos!”

Sian has partnered with the Rural Life Living Museum to bring the exhibition to life using historical artefacts from their farming collection. Museum curator Madeleine Howard says of the collaboration “By comparing and contrasting Sian’s photographs with our heritage collection, we can tell the continued shared story of those who manage our countryside and feed our community.”

About Siân

Siân Tyrrell is a people and product photographer living and working in Cranleigh Surrey.
She is a qualified Master Photographer and winner of the South East Up & Coming Studio Photographer of the Year in 2020. Siân is interested in authenticity in images and in helping people to feel their best selves through empowering portrait experiences.
Siân is a great believer in making being photographed enjoyable and building personal connection, to reclaim it as something joyful to do to celebrate ourselves rather than something fearful or reserved for the vain.
www.siantphoto.com Instagram @siantphoto Facebook @siantphoto

Sian T Photography
Posted in _
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

Conservation Day sees Allianz Pledge Support for a More Sustainable Surrey Hills

Posted on | by Maggie Howell

A special conservation day at RSPB Farnham Heath in Farnham celebrated Allianz Insurance becoming the first ever Surrey Hills Corporate Member, paving the way for increased sustainability in the region partnering with Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises.

Taking place on Friday 10 November with over 100 staff in attendance across three sessions, the team enjoyed the opportunity to get outside in the fresh air, working together in small groups at the wildlife area. Under the guidance of the Surrey Hills Society, the charitable arm of the Surrey Hills National Landscape and RSPB Staff, the group worked to remove pine trees to assist with the ongoing management and maintenance of precious lowland heathland habitat, ensuring a healthier environment for native species to grow and thrive. Removal of pine trees and scrub species means that the taller trees will no longer shadow the heather growing close by, a plant that is vital to many heathland species, including Nightjar, Silver-studded Blue butterflies and Dartford Warbler.

As part of the conservation day at RSPB Farnham Heath, the work by staff also created areas of bare ground that are hugely important for many species of reptile, including sand lizards and adders which can be seen on the reserve and invertebrates such as the green tiger beetle, all whilst learning about the history of RSPB Farnham Heath and the role it plays in supporting wildlife and for public enjoyment.

First Surrey Hills Corporate Member

The work undertaken by Allianz, one of the largest general insurers in the UK, is one of the key activities by the company since they were named as the first Surrey Hills Corporate Member by Surrey Hills Enterprises earlier this year. In June, the company enjoyed their first conservation day at Fox Corner Community Wildlife Area in Pirbright, where the team worked to remove invasive Himalayan Balsam and cleared drainage ditches to assist with water management in the area.

The Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises, launched their Surrey Hills Corporate Members programme earlier this year to allow local corporate businesses to connect with the landscape of the Surrey Hills, improving sustainability by taking part in habitat restoral projects and connecting them with other Surrey Hills’ businesses from which they can buy sustainable products and utilise local venues and experiences.

Reflecting on the success of the recent conservation days, as well as their ongoing status as Surrey Hills Corporate Members, Carolyn Rich, Head of Market Management at Allianz, said:

 

“Huge thanks to the Surrey Hills Enterprises and the RSPB teams for helping to make our day so rewarding. Through wind and rain our team gave their all, using their volunteering hours, to make a difference to our community. We are proud to be Surrey Hills Enterprises first Corporate Member and look forward to more days like these out in the Surrey countryside.”

With the recent conservation days forming part of an important programme of nature recovery in the Surrey Hills national Landscape, it is hoped that Allianz Insurance will prove to be trailblazers for more regional corporates to become Surrey Hills Corporate Members, asserting their commitment to a greener future for the Surrey Hills.

 

Wendy Varcoe MBE, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises, commented:

“It is an absolute pleasure to have Allianz Insurance on board as the first Surrey Hills Corporate Member and to see them taking active steps to improve nature recovery within the Surrey Hills. We are extremely proud of their efforts and look forward to them building on their success, as well as others following their example. We encourage other local businesses to take their lead and also join up as Corporate Members.”

 

Surrey Hills Enterprises is calling on local businesses to consider becoming Surrey Hills Corporate Members to take part in their own vital conservation projects as part of a commitment to sustainability and a pledge of support to the Surrey Hills. Membership is through application, where businesses are considered under the criteria of locality, quality and sustainability.

 

For more information on the Surrey Hills Corporate Members programme, visit: https://surreyhills.org/surrey-hills-corporate-member.

Posted in _