Celebrating Local Heros in the Surrey Hills

Through this partnership, we aim to raise both awareness and funds for their extraordinary work — while fostering meaningful connections between the local business community, our natural environment, and the families who depend on this vital service.  We are excited to be partnering together on the Surrey Hills Wood Fair, making this wonderful community event even more meaningful.  

To find out more about Shooting Star’s life-changing work and their other local events, or to make a donation, click the link below.  Every contribution helps provide comfort, care, and cherished moments for local families when they need it most.

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust is a charity working to restore the 23-mile canal between Surrey and Sussex, reconnecting Britain’s waterways to the English Channel. Since 1973, members and volunteers have revived key sections—including at Loxwood and Birtley—and host public boat trips, paddle sports, and walks along the Wey-South Path.

FareShare Sussex & Surrey is working to reduce food waste and support communities by redistributing surplus food from farms, supermarkets and suppliers to local organisations. Its Guildford depot, which has just celebrated one year in operation, plays a key role in getting fresh, nutritious food to charities, schools, and community groups across the county. A team of volunteers helps sort, pack and deliver food that would otherwise go to waste, supporting thousands of people each week.

In its first year, the Guildford depot redistributed 276 tonnes of food across Surrey—equivalent to 658,000 meals and around £1.4 million in savings for local organisations. Over half the food shared was fruit, vegetables and dairy. Any unusable food is composted, helping ensure as little as possible goes to landfill.

Volunteers are at the heart of FareShare’s work in Surrey, playing a vital role in getting good food to where it’s needed most. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, volunteering with FareShare is a powerful way to support communities across the county.

This event is aimed at children in years 2-4 but will be fun for all young children.  Siblings are welcome.  Tickets are very limited, so be quick to book your place!

National Trust Surrey Hills

The National Trust Surrey Hills looks after over 4,000 hectares of iconic countryside, with their work protecting rare habitats, conserving historic landmarks, and supporting local farmers and communities to safeguard the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

This summer, the Trust is running a variety of events to help visitors explore the landscape. Families can enjoy free Summer of Play activities, including outdoor games, nature trails, and creative fun at sites across Surrey.

There are also outdoor yoga sessions, guided hikes and short social walks for all abilities. In August, the Box Hill Cafe Talk Series delves into the people and stories of the Surrey Hills—from spies and artists to Jane Austen and Vaughan Williams.  You can also enjoy picnics, walks, and the gardens at Polesden Lacey, Hatchlands Park, and Winkworth Arboretum.  All activities support the National Trust’s mission to keep the Surrey Hills open, thriving, and accessible to all.

The Harry Edwards Foundation, a registered charity since 1966, is dedicated to “healing for all” through spiritual and holistic therapies offered at Burrows Lea, its peaceful garden and woodland sanctuary near Guildford. The Foundation provides one-to-one healing, both in-person and remotely, as well as group healing sessions and training programmes to continue Harry Edwards’ legacy.

This summer, the Foundation is hosting a variety of events including weekly Qigong classes, a trance healing demonstration, gentle yoga and online animal healing evenings. A highlight of the season is the Lucinda Drayton “Concert for Healing” set in the tranquil grounds of Burrows Lea.

Whether you’re visiting for a healing appointment, a workshop, or simply a wander, the Harry Edwards Foundation welcomes everyone to explore the beautiful gardens and grounds, to feel the energy, and enjoy the views.

Oakleaf Enterprise is a Guildford-based charity supporting adults living with mental ill-health through a range of services including wellbeing activities, counselling, work-related training, and employment support. Their aim is to restore confidence and purpose by helping individuals build new futures through meaningful connection and skill development.

This summer, Oakleaf is running several initiatives open to the community. “Cups & Conversations” invites people to host a coffee morning or catch-up to raise funds and awareness for mental health. They are also preparing for their flagship Twilight Runway Challenge on 20 September—an inclusive and family-friendly fundraising event giving participants a unique chance to walk, run, cycle, scoot, or even skateboard along the airstrip at Blackbushe Airport in Camberley.

Explore these events more of Oakleaf’s vital mental health support services below.

This summer, CRT is running a host of hands-on nature events across its sites. Families can take part in pond dipping, wildlife film-making, bat walks, and wool dyeing workshops, or join their free online talk series covering everything from dormice to wildflower meadows. It’s a brilliant opportunity to explore the countryside, support wildlife recovery, and learn how farming and nature can thrive together.

CRT has also launched a summer Wildlife for Pollinators appeal seeking to raise £5,000 to create a dedicated wildflower meadow at Pierrepont Farm in Frensham. The meadow will provide essential habitat and food sources for bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies and many other pollinating insects to thrive.

The Grange Centre in Bookham is a thriving Surrey charity that empowers people with learning disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives. Set in beautiful grounds, The Grange offers a range of services including supported living, residential care, and a diverse programme of skills training in areas like catering, arts and crafts, IT, and horticulture. These opportunities help individuals gain confidence, learn new skills, and play an active role in their community. The on-site Courtyard Café also provides valuable work experience in a friendly, public-facing environment.

This September, The Grange is inviting the public to its Heritage Open Day, offering a chance to explore its historic setting, meet the community, and see first-hand the difference this charity is making.