New Surrey Hills National Landscape highways signs are on their way. They have been funded by Defra to raise the profile of the Surrey Hills change in status to a National Landscape since its designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958.
Inspired by our neighbouring National Park, the South Downs, these Corten-steel signs are the creative spark of Surrey Hills Enterprises award winning young entrepreneur Jack from JK Forges, Stark and Greensmith and the Surrey Youth Opportunities team.
Jack’s workshop near Godalming has been buzzing with young people learning the art of blacksmithing and soaking up the countryside. The Youth Opportunities team gives young people meaningful work and a fresh start with new skills.
The signs feature an acorn seedpod—the Surrey Hills logo designed by sculptor Walter Bailey—that symbolises growth and resilience. They will replace the old Surrey Hills signs with Corten steel so they will be a legacy for the next 75 years, weathering beautifully over time, just like the landscape they represent.
Rob Fairbanks, Director of the Surrey Hills National Landscape said. “Thank you to everyone involved in bringing these signs to life, and to colleagues at Surrey County Council for their support, including their Chairman Tim Hall who unveiled the first sign on site.”
Come and see the signs at the Surrey Hills Wood Fair on 13th and 14th September. Jack and our contractor, Andy Wright, Conservation and Access, will be at the Wood Fair as an opportunity to get up close to the signs and discover where they may appear near you.