Squire’s Garden Centres is inviting customers to celebrate the beauty of summer and 90 years of gardening heritage with two special events this June – a Flowers & Fizz Evening taking place (all centres, excluding Chertsey) and the much-loved annual Rose Festival Weekend at Squire’s Shepperton.
FLOWERS & FIZZ EVENING
Date/time: Thursday 18 June, 5-8pm
Visit your local Squire’s on the evening of 18 June for a special summer evening of flowers, celebration and exclusive plant offers to mark the family garden centre business’ 90th anniversary.
Guests will receive a warm welcome with a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival, while enjoying live music in a relaxed and sociable setting.
Browse the beautiful Plant Area in centres and take advantage of exclusive discounts across the stunning plant collection – perfect for adding colour, texture and seasonal interest to a garden. OFriendly and knowledgeable Plant Experts will be on hand throughout the evening to share practical planting advice and inspiration.
Seek inspiration from each centre’s Anniversary Show Garden display, thoughtfully created by the resident plant team at centre’s to celebrate 90 years of gardening heritage.
Squire’s Café Bars will be open from 5pm to 7pm, serving a delicious selection of new summer salads and flatbreads, perfect for a light bite during the relaxing evening. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening – celebrating, shopping and surrounded by beautiful flowers. No booking required, excludes Chertsey.
Location: Squire’s Garden Centre, Halliford Road, Shepperton TW17 8SG
Entry: Free event – no booking required, everyone welcome.
Squire’s Shepperton will once again host a spectacular celebration of Britain’s favourite flower at the Rose Festival Weekend, taking place on the weekend of 27-28 June.
Held in partnership with The Rose Society UK, the festival features the prestigious National Rose Show, now in its 49th year, showcasing exceptional blooms from expert growers across the country. The show promises to be a real treat for the eyes with sublime displays and heady fragrance.
Visitors can enjoy stunning displays of roses in all their forms, from perfect single stems to elaborate arrangements. In addition, there will be floral art installations created by Walton & Weybridge Flower Club.
Adding to the festival atmosphere, there will be live music, BBQ demonstrations and sampling to be enjoyed over the weekend.
Colin Squire OBE, Chairman Emeritus of Squire’s Garden Centres and President of The Rose Society UK, comments: “We’re proud to host the Rose Festival Weekend as part of our 90th anniversary celebrations. It’s a true celebration of the rose, its growers and the joy it brings – and a fantastic weekend for everyone to come and enjoy – from those who enjoy browsing plants to expert gardeners alike – there is something for everyone.”
Expert rose growers from The Rose Society will be on hand on Saturday afternoon, following judging, and throughout Sunday to share advice, tips and inspiration with visitors.
Evelyn Gardens, located within Albury Park in Surrey, will extend its public opening programme in 2026, welcoming visitors across 28 selected days from May to September in an expansion of its usual schedule.
Traditionally open to the public twice a year in support of the National Garden Scheme, the gardens will this year offer increased access while continuing to support the scheme. The extended programme provides a rare opportunity to explore this historic landscape throughout the changing seasons.
Evelyn Gardens is a rare and beautifully preserved example of 17th-century formal garden design. Set within a secluded landscape, it is renowned for its quarter-mile-long terraces and distinguished collection of mature trees.
By spreading opening dates across the summer months, visitors will be able to experience the gardens at different stages of the season — from the fresh growth of late spring to the colour of late summer.
Due to the limited number of opening dates, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead.
Event Details
Opening period: Selected dates from May to September 2026
(Wednesdays from 6 May to 16 September, plus every third Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday)
Total days open: 28
Location: Evelyn Gardens, Albury Park
Further information, including opening dates, times and ticket prices, is available at here.
Behind every independent enterprise, creative studio, and local artist in the Surrey Hills is a person with a story, a passion and a deep connection to this extraordinary landscape. This month, we celebrate some of the inspiring individuals shaping our community.
Inspired by Nature
The women helping others reconnect with nature, movement, and wellbeing.
Joyful Outdoors
Elspeth has designed warm, welcoming outdoor experiences to bring people back to nature and rediscover simple joy. Through gentle foraging walks, bushcraft, laughter yoga, and mindful time in the woods, she creates space for people to slow down, connect with others, and feel more grounded in the natural world. Her sessions are relaxed, playful, and uplifting, with a focus on wellbeing, connection, and joy in the outdoors.
Surrey Striders
Passionate advocate for outdoor fitness and wellbeing in the Surrey Hills, Vicky is an accredited instructor offering guided Nordic Walking sessions that help people of all ages and abilities get active in nature. She strongly believes in the many benefits that Nordic Walking can offer, both physically and mentally, and wants to share that feeling with everyone!
Surrey Hills Qigong
Sue Llewellyn, a former BBC journalist retrained as a Qigong instructor after experiencing burnout and seeking a more balanced way of life. Sue now teaches gentle, flowing Qigong sessions, combining breath, movement, and mindfulness to help people reduce stress, restore energy, and reconnect with themselves and nature. Her approach is calm, accessible, and rooted in both ancient Chinese practice and lived experience of wellbeing and recovery.
Amanda Weller Energy Alchemy
With over 15 years’ experience in energy therapies, Amanda offers intuitive wellbeing sessions designed to support balance, clarity, and emotional release. Her approach focuses on helping people move through stress, emotional blocks, and life challenges by reconnecting with their natural sense of calm and wellbeing.
HINOKI Forest Bathing
Lisa leads immersive forest bathing experiences inspired by the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku.
Through gentle, guided sessions in nature, Lisa encourages people to slow down, reconnect with their senses, and experience the calming benefits of the forest. Her work focuses on wellbeing, mindfulness, and helping people reduce stress through time spent in natural surroundings.
🌿Tip: These experiences aren’t about performance or doing it “right”, the benefit comes from switching off autopilot, noticing your senses, and letting the landscape do the work. A walk, a breath, a pause in the trees is often more powerful than it sounds!
Made by Hand & Heart
The artists, designers and makers keeping craftsmanship alive in the Surrey Hills.
Ruth Wheeler
As a local artist, sculptor and wellbeing practitioner Ruth’s work is deeply inspired by the natural world. Working from her woodland studio, she creates expressive wood sculptures, pyrography art and mixed media pieces using locally sourced materials and traditional techniques. and also runs creative workshops, retreats and yoga experiences.
RoniBs Kitchen
Award-winning artisan food producer, creating bold, flavour-packed sauces, condiments and preserves inspired by traditional Filipino recipes. Founded by Roni Bandong, the business combines heritage, creativity and high-quality ingredients to produce small-batch products that bring vibrant, authentic flavours into everyday cooking.
Amanda Winfield- Abinger Stained Glass
With nearly 40 years of experience, Amanda is a highly skilled stained glass artist passionate about preserving the traditional craftsmanship of medieval stained glass. Working from her Surrey Hills workshop, she creates bespoke pieces for homes, businesses and places of worship, combining time-honoured techniques with exceptional artistry and attention to detail. Her work reflects a deep respect for heritage, craftsmanship and the enduring beauty of handmade design.
Gianna’s Art Creations
Gianna creates expressive, contemporary artworks inspired by nature, colour and emotion. Working across a range of mediums, she produces original paintings and bespoke pieces designed to bring vibrancy and individuality into any space, all beautifully framed by her husband Kevin.
JK Forges
Jack Kerr is a talented young blacksmith and fabricator whose passion for traditional metalworking began at just 10 years old. Based in the Surrey Hills, he creates everything from handcrafted Japanese kitchen knives and garden pieces to bespoke gates and large-scale commissions, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity. As one of the few traditional blacksmiths working locally today, Jack is helping keep this historic rural craft alive for a new generation.
Nicky Chubb Art
Originally trained in fashion design at Central Saint Martins, Nicky Chubb is a mixed media artist whose uplifting work is inspired by colour, light and the changing landscapes around her home in the Surrey Hills. Her distinctive tree paintings, vibrant florals and expressive figurative pieces combine collage, texture and layered materials to create artwork full of movement, optimism and emotion.
KL Scarves
Kate Lloyd creates luxurious silk scarves from her own original photographs, transforming fine art imagery into elegant, wearable pieces. Based in the Surrey Hills, she works with a long-established family silk mill in England to produce beautifully printed scarves, each carefully designed to capture moments from nature, landscapes and travel in rich, expressive detail.
Nicola Antsey Design
Nicola sources unique pieces from markets in the UK and France – sofas, cabinets, tables, and chairs- and transforms them into bold, one-off designs using traditional upholstery and restoration techniques. Her work blends craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic, giving old furniture a new lease of life.
JK Enterprises
Joseph Kennedy started making rustic wooden gifts from fallen wood at just 13. Now a small workshop business creating bespoke handmade pieces for homes and local clients, and in 2023 received the Surrey Hills Enterprises “Young Entrepreneur Award” in recognition of his craftsmanship, sustainability, and entrepreneurial drive.
🎨Tip: Look out for local artisans and independent makers at markets, studios, or small workshops. Buying directly from them not only gets you something truly unique, but also helps keep traditional skills alive and supports sustainable, community-based creativity.
Driven by Passion
Founder-led businesses built on expertise, relationships and trusted local knowledge.
Martin Bamford Photography
Martin helps founders, consultants and creatives look credible and confident through relaxed, natural portrait photography designed to reflect who they really are on a good day. His sessions are guided and approachable, focused on removing awkwardness and capturing authentic, professional images that work across websites, social media, and press.
Helen Clifford Law
Helen founded her specialist personal injury law firm dedicated to helping people injured at work and their families secure justice.
With over 25 years’ experience, she focuses on complex, high-value cases, including serious brain and spinal injuries, often where liability is disputed. Her commitment is rooted in a strong family legacy of campaigning for safer working conditions.
Phil Howell – Intuition Un Ltd.
With over 30 years’ experience across global corporations, SMEs, and consulting projects, Phil mentors business owners and helps them turn complex challenges into clear strategy and practical action. His work focuses on leadership development, business growth, and helping people move from feeling stuck to making measurable progress.
Ide&s
Ian Jones is an experienced event producer and moderator with over 25 years in hospitality and events. Through Ide&s, he creates and moderates food and drink events, helping connect people with great food, brands, and producers. His work spans product launches, brand activations, employee engagement events, and festivals.
Hampton Digital Services Ltd.
Originally from New Zealand and now based in Surrey, Tracy Hampton brings a strong background in IT and web development, alongside a clear focus on simplicity, sustainability, and honest communication. She specialises in creating WordPress websites and digital systems that are easy to use, easy to maintain, and designed to help clients be found online and win work
The Queen’s Head in Weybridge has officially reopened its doors following a transformative refurbishment, as part of Heartwood Collection’s recently announced £1.5 million investment across five of its much-loved pubs.
Having closed on 16 March 2026, The Queen’s Head welcomed guests back on 1 April, unveiling refreshed interiors and a revitalised outdoor terrace designed to enhance the pub’s role as a cherished local destination, now led by a new management team including General Manager Manoj Parkale, who joins from the Group’s successful site, The King’s Arms in Prestbury, after four years with the company.
Guests can now enjoy a beautifully updated setting featuring refreshed décor, new soft furnishings, updated signage that offers an affectionate nod to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and a reimagined garden complete with new furniture and thoughtful planting. While the pub retains its distinctive character and heritage features, the enhancements reflect Heartwood Collection’s signature style, warm, welcoming, and full of personality.
The reopening also coincides with Heartwood’s new “Reasons to Visit” campaign, launched at the start of the year, which introduced an expanded programme of events and experiences throughout the week. From steak nights and quiz evenings to seasonal celebrations and games nights, The Queen’s Head is now set to offer even more reasons for the community to come together.
Guests can once again enjoy Heartwood’s seasonally changing menus, including Heartwood’s brand-new Spring menu, created using ethically sourced ingredients and aligned with the group’s three-star Sustainable Restaurant Association rating.
Manoj Parkale, General Manager of The Queen’s Head, said:
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of The Queen’s Head reopening and to welcome guests back through the doors. The refurbishment has created a space that feels both fresh and familiar, whilst injecting our usual quirky style back into the pub. I’m thrilled to be taking on a new challenge here in Weybridge and can’t wait to get stuck into the local community. ”
The Queen’s Head now stands ready to continue its role as a vibrant hub for Weybridge, bringing people together over great food, drink and memorable experiences in a beautifully renewed setting.
The Vineyards of the Surrey Hills are delighted to announce the launch of the very first Surrey Hills Wine Week, taking place from Saturday May 30 to Sunday June 7, 2026.
Celebrating the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills collective – comprising Albury Organic Vineyard, Chilworth Manor Vineyard, Denbies Wine Estate, Greyfriars Vineyard, High Clandon Estate Vineyard, Soloms Court Wine Estate and Tanhurst Estate Vineyard – Surrey Hills Wine Week will showcase the very best of English wine through a unique programme of events.
Throughout the week, visitors will have the opportunity to explore multiple vineyards across the North Downs, each offering its own distinctive experiences –
from relaxed tastings and behind-the-scenes tours to full-blown wine festivals. All set against the stunning backdrop of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
“Surrey Hills Wine Week is a fantastic opportunity to bring together our vineyards and celebrate the quality, diversity and accessibility of English wine,” says Vineyards of the Surrey Hills’ Lucy Letley, general manager at Albury Organic Vineyard.
“Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable day out, this series of events invites visitors to discover the unique character of our vineyards and the landscape that shapes them.”
The launch of Surrey Hills Wine Week marks an exciting new chapter for the region’s wine tourism offering, building on the success of previous collaborative events and reinforcing the Surrey Hills’ position as a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
Visitors can expect not only exceptional wines – from elegant sparkling cuvées and crisp whites to fragrant rosés and fruity reds – but also breathtaking views, warm hospitality and a chance to experience one of England’s most picturesque and dynamic wine regions.
There are also plenty of extra-special reasons to celebrate: Tanhurst Estate Vineyard will be joining the festivities for the first time, Soloms Court Wine Estate will unveil its very first wine, and Denbies Wine Estate marks an impressive 40 years since planting its first vines.
With chalk soils mirroring those of the Champagne region and a growing international reputation for quality sparkling wines, Vineyards of the Surrey Hills offers a unique and accessible wine route just a short distance from London.
Experience a new level of relaxation as The Waggon Sauna at the Hampton Estate officially opens its doors on April 2nd!
Perfectly timed for an Easter reset, this off-grid, wood-fired sanctuary in Seale, offers a unique connection to the landscape. Crafted from the estate’s own timber and the historic Old Hops Barn, The Waggon is steeped in local heritage, providing a deeply grounding atmosphere to enjoy solo or with friends.
Guests can enjoy high-heat sessions paired with rejuvenating cold-water therapies, all while overlooking one of the most breathtaking views in the Surrey Hills. It is an invitation to step into the heat, breathe in the forest air, and let the stresses of modern life melt away in the heart of nature.
To book your place please visit www.thewaggonsauna.co.uk and follow our journey on social media: @thewaggonsauna on Instagramand Facebook. We look forward to welcoming you at The Waggon soon!
Squire’s Garden Centres, member of Surrey Hills Enterprises, is delighted to announce the launch of its 2026 ‘Love Where You Live’ community gardening programme, inviting local groups to apply for funding to support projects that use gardening to bring people together, improve wellbeing and enhance shared spaces.
*** APPLICATIONS ARE NOW EXTENDED UNTIL MIDNIGHT, SUNDAY 8th FEBRUARY ***
As Squire’s looks ahead to 2026 – its 90th anniversary year – the programme reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the communities it has proudly served since 1936. ‘Love Where You Live’ is designed to support grassroots gardening projects close to Squire’s centres, helping local ideas grow into lasting community assets.
The programme offers a total fund of £5,000, with individual awards of up to £500, provided in the form of Squire’s vouchers. These can be redeemed for plants, tools and essential gardening supplies to help projects take shape and flourish. Successful applicants will be announced in mid-March. Applications need to ensure that proposed projects can be fulfilled within the programme period of April-July 2026.
Community groups located within a 10-mile radius of a Squire’s Garden Centre are invited to apply via the Squire’s website. Projects should demonstrate clear community benefit, show how gardening will be used to make a positive impact between April and July, and outline how the project will be sustained beyond the award period. Accessible, inclusive initiatives and those supporting people with specific needs are particularly encouraged. *Entry criteria applies – see website for more details.
Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “As we approach our 90th anniversary, it feels especially important to celebrate and support the communities around our centres. The ‘Love Where You Live’ programme is one of the ways we can give something back – helping local groups create welcoming green spaces that bring people together and make a real difference.”
Demonstrating the benefits of being a successful recipient of an award in 2025, Melissa Salisbury, Centre Manager, at Hale Community Garden, comments: “Receiving a Love Where You Live award made a real difference to our project. The support from Squire’s enabled us to buy plants, tools and materials we simply wouldn’t have been able to afford, helping us turn ideas into a thriving space the whole community can enjoy. It’s been wonderful to see people come together through gardening.”
The ‘Love Where You Live’ awards sit alongside Squire’s long-running Charity of the Year programme, reinforcing the business’s commitment to building strong, meaningful relationships within local communities.
Applications are open and extended to close on 8 February 2026. Full details and application forms can be found at squiresgardencentres.co.uk.
• The ‘Love Where You Live’ programme offers a total fund of £5,000, with individual awards of up to £500 in Squire’s vouchers.
Surrey Hills Enterprises member Cherry Trees has announced that it will be running a second short break respite home for children with complex disabilities.
Ofsted has approved the charity’s registration to manage Goldcrest Lodge in Liphook, Hampshire, a six-bed home set in the beautiful surroundings of Passfield Common.
The charity recognises the significant need to support families of children with complex disabilities and to help them lead happy and fulfilling lives. Each year, the impact of its existing home in East Clandon highlights just how vital this support is, and the positive difference it makes to many families.
Reaching more familes
Cherry Trees is also aware that many more families, children and young adults need access to high quality, outcome focused, outstanding provision. Following a detailed review of need across Surrey and neighbouring counties, the board of trustees has agreed a five-year growth plan, due to launch soon, to extend the charity’s reach and impact. The acquisition of Goldcrest Lodge marks the first step in this new phase of growth.
There will be a short closure period at the new home while it is transformed into an inspiring home from home, in line with the ethos of the East Clandon provision. The home is expected to reopen shortly under the name Cherry Trees – Goldcrest Lodge.
Cherry Trees making a real difference
Cherry Trees CEO Claire Bryantsaid: “We are delighted to be able to share this news which will see Cherry Trees take a big step forward as we embark on our much-needed growth plan.
“We are very proud of what we do and the difference we make to the lives of the children and families we support, so we are thrilled that we can bring our model of outstanding care into another county to help more families.
“We had a wonderful year at Cherry Trees in 2025 as we celebrated our 45th anniversary, as well as our third Ofsted Outstanding rating – something only 13% of short-break children’s homes in England achieve.
“We are now very much looking forward to the future and the next steps in our journey.”
They would love to hear from you
Anyone interested in finding out more about Cherry Trees – Goldcrest Lodge, or in getting involved to support the charity as it expands its work, is encouraged to get in touch. Cherry Trees welcomes contact from individuals, organisations and community groups interested in volunteering or offering support in other ways.
Enquiries can be directed to the Head of Fundraising and Communications, Mike Hey, by emailing fundraising@cherrytrees.org.uk or calling 01483 222507.
Civic guests and the local community gathered in the Hurtwood yesterday to mark the 90th anniversary of YHA Holmbury St Mary Youth Hostel—the first purpose-built youth hostel in England—and to celebrate its exciting new chapter as the Hurtwood Hideout. The hostel has long been a symbol of affordable access to nature, and thanks to recent investment, it is set to continue that legacy for generations to come.
Phil Maddock, Head of Partnerships at the YHA said.
“The YHA is delighted to partner with organisations such as the Hurtwood Hideout as it enables the long-term future of some amazing buildings and to deliver experiences to those who need it most. It is estimated that this hostel has provided half a million people with an overnight stay in the heart of nature since it opened in 1935, and we look forward to seeing the hostel flourish for the next 90 years and beyond.”
The new owners of the Hurtwood Hideout, Matt Morris and Tim Metson shared.
“We are delighted to safeguard the heritage of such a fantastic facility that has touched the lives of so many. The Hurtwood Hideout will continue to welcome visitors from the UK and the far corners of the world for hopefully many generations to come. The investment that has been made has positioned the site as the perfect central Surrey Hills location for activity, health and wellbeing generally. Everyone is welcome at the hideout!”
Tim Hall, Chair of Surrey County Council said.
“I am delighted to visit this fantastic facility and see the investment that secures its future. Huge thanks to the Youth Hostel Association for safeguarding the site, and to Tim and Matt for taking it forward. Most of all, thanks to the community—including Shere Manor Estate and Friends of the Hurtwood—for ensuring access for all to this wonderful countryside in the Surrey Hills.”
Michael Coughlin, Chair of Surrey Hills Enterprises said.
“Working with sustainable, community-driven businesses is at the heart of delivering exceptional visitor experiences in the Surrey Hills. This investment provides a hub for local businesses to come together to create new opportunities for adventure and overnight stays in this glorious part of the Surrey Hills.”
This project has been supported by the Surrey Hills National Landscape Access Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, the site has undergone improvements to ensure better access and maintain its role as a gateway to the Surrey Hills landscape. This includes a bike hire hub, new kitchens, resurfaced paths, toilet block (including a disabled toilet), perimeter fencing, and firepits. Partnerships with local groups now enhance the hostel’s offering for cyclists, horse riders, and walkers, while off-road wheelchairs are available free of charge to open more of the countryside up for everyone.
To celebrate the launch of Squire’s Garden Centres new autumn/winter Café Bar menu today (14 October), the Squire family were joined by the White family – the proud producers behind Surrey’s award-winning Porky Whites sausages – for a special celebratory get-together. The new menu see popular favourites joined by up to 13 new savoury dishes and seven new drinks.
Surrey Hills Enterprises members, both companies are three-generational, family-owned businesses and the occasion was a true toast to local sourcing, craftsmanship and quality ingredients. With the much-loved Porky Whites Surrey Sausage as well as a delicious – exclusive to Squire’s – Handmade Sausage Roll, both taking pride of place on the new menu, the collaboration highlights Squire’s commitment to supporting fellow family businesses and championing the very best of local produce.
Thoughtfully created by Squire’s talented chefs, the new menu is full of hearty seasonal flavours, freshly prepared dishes and delicious new additions perfect for any time of day – from relaxed breakfasts to indulgent lunches and sweet afternoon treats.
At the heart of Squire’s food philosophy is a commitment to quality food, thoughtfully sourced. Ingredients are carefully chosen from trusted suppliers, with British produce used wherever possible to celebrate seasonal flavour, reduce food miles and support responsible farming.
Sarah Squire, Chairman – Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “We are so excited to unveil our new autumn and winter menu in our Café Bars. It has been lovingly created by our chefs to offer something for everyone – whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast, catching up with friends over lunch, or treating yourself to something sweet.
“I’m sure our customers will be delighted with the new dishes and will find something just perfect for every visit. It is wonderful to know that, in enjoying these flavours, they are also supporting local businesses and celebrating the very best of British produce.
”This season, I am particularly delighted that our menu features two outstanding products from another Surrey-based family business, Porky Whites. Their award-winning sausages and delicious handmade sausage rolls are the result of generations of expertise, care and pride in their craft. As a family business ourselves, it’s very special to work with another like-minded local producer who shares our values of quality, community and sustainability.
Francesca Wyatt, Managing Director – Porky Whites Ltd, comments: “The coming together of two longstanding Surrey-based family businesses is a hugely exciting and we’re proud to be able to bring our award-winning sausages to the Squire’s café bars. We are delighted that even more consumers will now be able to enjoy our famed sausages!”
MENU HIGHLIGHTS
Breakfast Favourites & New Classics
Breakfast at Squire’s is a much-loved way to start the day – and this season sees tempting new additions, including the Squire’s Signature Breakfast, a hearty plate featuring two award-winning Porky Whites Surrey sausages, two free-range eggs, two rashers of smoked bacon, mushrooms, beans, tomato, two hash browns, black pudding, toast and butter.
Lunchtime Highlights & Lighter Bites
The Lighter Bites menu welcomes the delicious new Handmade Sausage Roll, made with Porky Whites Surrey sausage meat wrapped in puff pastry, topped with mixed seeds and served with apple and cider chutney and a fresh salad garnish.
For something heartier, the Squire’s Signatures selection offers warming, flavour-packed meals such as the new British Pie of the Day from Devon’s renowned pie makers, Tom’s – with choices including Chicken, Ham Hock & Leek and Steak & Ale. Other new arrivals include the Hand-Battered Fish & Chips – sustainably sourced fish of the day – and comforting Winter Warmers such as Slow-Braised British Lamb Shank, Classic Fish Pie and a flavourful Chickpea, Cherry Tomato & Olive Tagine.
Sweet Treats & Seasonal Sips
No visit is complete without something sweet, and the new menu includes the Warm Apple Frangipane Tart alongside a tempting array of cakes and traybakes. Drinks get a seasonal refresh too, with new mocktails (Mojito, Paloma and Passionfruit Mojito), a comforting Matcha Latte and freshly blended smoothies such as Avo Go-Go, Kale Patch and Wild Wild Zest.
To complement the new menu, Squire’s Café Bars are proud to offer wines from The Uncommon – Wine of England. Produced in the rolling Kent Downs, sharing the same chalk seam as Champagne, these award-winning, sustainably made English wines are beautifully presented in recyclable cans and include White, Rosé, Red, Bubbly White and Bubbly Rosé – each capturing the fresh, vibrant character of English winemaking at its best
The new Café Bar menu will be available from 14 October at all Squire’s Garden Centres. With free parking, beautiful surroundings and a warm welcome guaranteed, it’s the perfect place to relax, refuel and enjoy delicious seasonal food this autumn and winter.
The Power of Place Conference: Showcasing Surrey Hills as the Sustainable Heart of UK Business Tourism
Over 100 delegates and 28 showcase exhibitors gathered at Dorking Halls on 9 October for the inaugural Power of Place Conference, a landmark event celebrating sustainability, collaboration and innovation in business tourism across the Surrey Hills.
Organised by Surrey Hills Enterprises in partnership withVisit Mole Valley, the conference brought together event planners, venues, corporate buyers and experience providers from across the South East – with attendees travelling from as far as Swansea, Dover and Essex to be part of the conversation.
The day featured lively discussions, local insights and a shared vision for positioning the Surrey Hills as the UK’s leading destination for sustainable business events.
Delegates also took part in a Design Thinking Challenge, contributing ideas on how the region can lead the way in responsible business tourism. These outputs will form the basis of a forthcoming white paper, collating the ideas and contributions shared throughout the morning.
Local Flavour and Community Spirit
From the friendly competition of the Surrey Hills Pub Quiz to the irresistible pastries from Chalk Hills Bakery, the event captured the energy and character of the Surrey Hills. The exhibition area featured 28 local exhibitors showcasing everything from boutique hotels and mountain biking experiences to forest bathing and artisan food — even a surprise visit from Brian the Bear, the star of BBC’s Ghosts, filmed at West Horsley Place.
A Platform for Sustainable Growth
The Power of Place highlighted the extraordinary potential of the Surrey Hills for corporate events, retreats and away days that combine impact, authenticity and local benefit. As a Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises continues to support local businesses and champion sustainability, ensuring the region’s distinctive character remains at the heart of its growth.
Maggie Howell, CEO of Surrey Hills Enterprises, said:
“The Power of Place was about bringing people, purpose and place together — showcasing what makes the Surrey Hills truly special as a destination for sustainable business tourism. The energy and collaboration in the room were incredible, and we’re excited to build on the ideas and partnerships that have emerged.”
Watch this space for the upcoming white paper, summarising the collective insights and creativity of the day.
An interview with Claire Bryant, Chief Executive of Guildford-based respite care home, Cherry Trees, for families with children with complex disabilities. Read how Cherry Trees have taken an evidence-based approach, proving that sustainability is both achievable and practicable, even for nonprofits with tight budgets and competing priorities.
In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, many organisations are stepping up to reduce their carbon footprints and contribute to a healthier planet. Increasingly, businesses and corporations are embracing values-driven missions, where people and planet take priority over profit.
But what about organisations where profit has never been the primary goal? Cherry Trees, a Guildford-based respite care home for families with children who have complex disabilities, is one such example. With such an important mission, it might come as a surprise that they also find time to reduce their own environmental impact – all while delivering vital care for families in Surrey. Taking a measured and thoughtful approach, they are actively working to cut their carbon footprint, recognising that even small changes can make a significant difference.
When they first started, sustainability wasn’t something that was front and centre. Their focus was on caring for children with complex disabilities and creating a safe, nurturing environment and a lifeline for families. But over time, they realised they had a responsibility not just to care for the children and their families, but for the planet too.
In an interview with SBN, CEO Claire Bryant explained that the movement really started within the team, when a small group of staff came together to form a green committee and began sharing ideas for making Cherry Trees more sustainable. At first, they started with simple changes. One of their first steps was adding an extra recycling bin, as the previous one was constantly overflowing.
Then, around 18 months ago, Claire engaged with the team at SBN, recognising that if Cherry Trees was going to get serious about sustainability, she needed to expand her knowledge and develop a strategic approach.
“For me, my biggest objectives were to really understand how we get our starting point – how we get our baseline – and then what do we do to formulate a zero carbon plan?”
From there, SBN directed Claire to attend a decarbonisation workshop run by Surrey County Council. “I was pleasantly surprised at how practical it was… it was such an engaging course.” The workshop not only gave Claire a clearer understanding of the bigger picture but also equipped Cherry Trees with the tools to make real changes. One key tool was a carbon calculator, which enabled them to establish a baseline carbon footprint and track their progress.
The data provided valuable insights into where improvements could be made, and they’ve already started making significant headway. “Let’s get our carbon footprint done, let’s see where we’re at and see how many changes that we need to measure.”
Since then, Cherry Trees has continued to find ways to reduce energy use and minimise waste. Here’s a quick rundown of the changes Cherry Trees has implemented since that first SBN workshop with Surrey County Council:
Power Conservation:
The carbon calculator helped them understand the energy impact of having so many computers turned on or on ‘standby’ all day – a measure previously considered necessary so that staff could log in remotely when working from home. “Across all our computers, we equated it was 112 hours of standby power saved every night.”·
Paperless Payslips:
Cherry Trees replaced printed payslips with electronic versions, cutting down on paper waste. This small step had a surprisingly positive impact – not only saving money on paper, ink and electricity, but also reducing monthly waste. Claire jokes that the biggest supporter of this change was probably their accountant, who no longer had to wrestle with multiple tiny payslip envelopes each month!
Optimised Efficiency:
Cherry Trees already had solar panels installed on the barn roof, but by using thermal imaging and specialist panel cleaning they were able to ensure they were operating at maximum efficiency. They also switched to energy-efficient LED lighting and improved their building insulation for better energy efficiency.
Eco-Friendly Purchasing:
Careful review of large purchases to ensure only what is necessary is bought. Before making major purchases like a new minibus, they now ask themselves: “Do we really need this?” or “Is there a greener alternative?”
Local and Sustainable Food Sourcing:
The carbon calculator also prompted Cherry Trees to look at the impact of their food. Previously, they bought everything from the nearby Tesco or Sainsbury’s, so instead they started looking at where they could source food more locally, developing good relationships with their local butchers and greengrocers. “Those relationships will stand. Our local greengrocers actually gives us free food a lot of the time – the wonky veg. We’ve also developed relationships with people from local allotments who are growing food.”
Greener Laundry Practices:
Cherry Trees also started looking into greener cleaning products and laundry practices, choosing suppliers who will send them large barrels of detergent rather than hundreds of handheld bottles – cutting down on packaging waste and allowing the team to refill their bottles by hand.
What’s most inspiring is Cherry Trees’ openness in sharing both their challenges and successes. They demonstrate that sustainability doesn’t require a massive overhaul – small, deliberate actions can drive meaningful change. In fact, they’ve found that these efforts not only benefit the environment but save money too – always a welcome outcome in the non-profit sector. For them, their next steps include publishing their zero carbon strategy publicly, so they can take others on their journey with them. Their story is a powerful reminder that mindful choices and steady progress can pave the way towards a greener future, and inspire others to do the same.
Crucially, sustainability aligns with, rather than detracts from, their core mission of providing respite care to Surrey families. Anyone who thinks otherwise is barking up the wrong (Cherry) tree!
“This case study was researched and written by Lauren Buckley, for the Sustainable Business Network (SBN). SBN is a project run by Zero Carbon Guildford which aims to support and empower Surrey businesses to adopt low-carbon behaviours and operations. Visit the SBN website to find out more and join the SBN mailing list for information on sustainability events, case studies and resources, https://www.surreysbn.org/contact-us“
Squire’s Shepperton will once again host a spectacular celebration of Britain’s favourite flower at the Rose Festival Weekend, taking place on the weekend of 27-28 June.
