Jonathan Shaw, the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Marine, Landscape & Rural Affairs) and Minister for the South East visited the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in October to mark its 50th anniversary.
He cut a Surrey Hills birthday cake for children at Abinger Hammer Village School and saw for himself on Ranmore and White Down both the stunning scenery of the AONB and the damage being done to it.
Jonathan Shaw with children from Abinger Hammer School.
Cutting the 50th Anniversary cake
Chairman of the Surrey Hills Society, Neil Maltby meeting Jonathan Shaw.
“Clearly there are some large issues with 4x4s and the vandalism they are causing to the countryside and wildlife,” he said, “I have been most impressed with the way the Surrey Hills AONB has reached out to forge active relationships with business, voluntary and statutory sectors. Everyone has an interest in the Surrey Hills and so much more can be achieved when people work together. I particularly welcome the new Surrey Hills Society.” View some of the images from his visit below;
Jonathan Shaw looking at the destruction of a Boundary Bank from 4x4 vehicles.
From left, National Trust warden Rob Hewer, Farmer Laurence Matthews, Jonathan Shaw and Chairman of the Surrey Hills Board Michael Sydney.
Visiting the Holmbury St Mary Youth Hostel. From left, Michael Sydney, Chairman of the Surrey Hills Board, Craig Thomas from the YHA, Jonathan Shaw and Manager of the Youth Hostel.