Heathland Connections
Scroll Down
Heathland Connections is a new, ambitious project working with partners to enhance, restore and connect the special habitats found in the western most section of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
Funded by Natural England and led by the Heathland Connections partnership, the project aims to restore natural processes and make the landscape more resilient to climate change and other pressures, such as disturbance to ground nesting birds. We will create a better experience for people enjoying the landscape, whilst protecting sensitive areas for wildlife.
These unique habitats, such as lowland heathland, are hotspots for important bird, reptile, dragonfly and plant species and are an iconic landscape for the local community to enjoy. It’s not just about heathlands though. The name ‘Heathland Connections’ means making connections between the heathlands and the wider landscape and helping people to connect with the landscape by improving access and encouraging walking and cycling over driving.
Partners in the Heathland Connections project include National Trust, The Surrey Hills board, Surrey County Council and Waverley and Guildford Borough Council, ARC (Amphibian and Reptile Conservation), RSPB, and the Surrey Wildlife Trust.
The project is part of Defra’s Nature Recovery Network, with twelve projects happening around England, delivering the aspirations from the 25-year environment plan. We want to prepare for the changing climate, build a future for the landscape and ensure our special green spaces remain for generations to come.
No, it’s about connecting all types of habitats in the landscape so that wildlife can move and thrive, and also about restoring the lost connections in the landscape between the heathland reserves.
No, 70% of the land in the UK is farmland and we recognise how valuable a contribution to protecting biodiversity the farmed landscape can provide. This project wants to enhance what exists already and capitalise on opportunities for connecting that wider landscape.
We hope to create opportunities for volunteering. Please subscribe to our newsletter to find out more.
Partners in the Heathland Connections project include National Trust, The Surrey Hills board, Surrey County Council and Waverley and Guildford Borough Council, ARC (Amphibian and Reptile Conservation), RSPB, and the Surrey Wildlife Trust, as well as the Surrey Heartlands Green Social Prescribing pilot, Surrey Hills Arts and Surrey Hills Society.
Large areas across this landscape are already designated as Thursley, Hankley and Frensham Commons SPA (Special Protection Area) and are surrounded by heathlands owned by partners keen to work closer together. There is a great opportunity to work together to enhance and restore habitat.
Three years, but we hope to create a legacy beyond this.
The heathland landscape has long been managed by human activities which included the right for commoners to graze cattle. This created special niches for wildlife and some species evolved to fill these niches. Cattle grazing on the open heaths maintain these niches and the habitat in the right conditions for these species to thrive.
Who might live here?
Caring for our heathlands
Hear from Heathland rangers Louis and Zhinlap about how we can all protect, respect and enjoy the countryside for people and nature. They’ll be giving some tips on keeping to paths to avoid disturbing ground nesting birds.
Discover our Cycle Surrey Hills routes, enabling you to explore some of Surrey’s most spectacular landscapes mostly off-road.
