News Stories

Horseman’s Sunday returns to St Martha’s Church for a celebration of horse riding in the Surrey Hills
Horseman’s Sunday returned to the picturesque church of St Martha-on-the-hill for a unique and special event, celebrating horse-riding in the Surrey Hills. Both horse riders and members of the community on foot gathered at the top of St Martha’s Hill Read on>
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Surrey MPs celebrate fantastic public engagement towards the Surrey Hills boundary review
In December 2021, Natural England launched the first phase of the Surrey Hills boundary review by calling for engagement from the public. This gathered evidence within and around identified evaluation areas to help inform follow on assessments regarding whether the Read on>
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An extraordinary week with extraordinary people
Last week, we hosted 6 brilliant groups of displaced young people from Big Leaf Foundation for a series of nature-based activities at Surrey Outdoor Learning (SOLD). This project is funded by Natural England to empower connection with nature. Connection to Read on>
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Update: Farming in Protected Landscapes fund
In the summer of 2021, Defra announced a new fund to benefit nature recovery across England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes’ (FiPL) scheme provides grants to farmers and land managers in Read on>
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Surrey Hills host Lord Benyon for a day of landscape and community engagement
On Tuesday 1 February 2022, the Surrey Hills National Landscape was delighted to host The Rt Hon Lord Benyon, the Government Minister for Rural Affairs, Access to Nature and Biosecurity for the opportunity to hear about their current projects, and meet some of the land managers, local businesses and partners within the Surrey Hills. Read on>
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Surrey Hills AONB boundary review update
In December 2021, Natural England kicked off the first phase of the Surrey Hills boundary review by asking for your engagement. It is looking to gather evidence within the evaluation areas identified* to help inform the decision to whether the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) boundaries should be extended into adjacent areas to the AONB. Read on>
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Surrey Hills boundary review: Natural England press release
Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) needs you Local knowledge is being sought to help decide on the extension of Surrey Hills AONB boundaries Natural England is calling for everyone with an interest to contribute Whether you live Read on>
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“Be Nice, Say Hi” on the first Surrey Hills Greenway
The first Greenway in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) was officially launched on 23 September by the Chairman of Surrey County Council, Helyn Clack. Known as the Leith Hill Greenway, the new route provides greater access Read on>
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Ranmore Common in the spotlight: Residents concern of over-used byways and anti-social behaviour causing damage to Surrey Hills
Tension is mounting between residents and off-road motorists on the Byways across the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Since lockdown the area has seen an increase in off-road motorised vehicles, with new tracks being illegally carved out on Read on>
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Wanted: Hike Heroes, Local Legends, Walkpreneurs & Family Funsters
We’re on the hunt for North Downs Way Ambassadors and have a programme of free training available for people in Kent and Surrey who love being outdoors, love walking, love their local area and want to share that passion with Read on>
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Job Opportunity: Surrey Hills AONB Communications Lead
The Surrey Hills AONB is recruiting for a new Communications Lead. About the role The Communications Lead for the Surrey Hills AONB is an exciting opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of the Surrey Hills as a Nationally protected landscape. Read on>
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Have your voice heard at the Surrey Hills Community Forum 2021
A free community forum is taking place this July, giving local people and groups in the Surrey Hills the chance to have their voice heard on key topics impacting the protected landscape. The Surrey Hills Community Forum 2021 will take Read on>
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International Trails Day 2021 to celebrate the importance of National Trails worldwide
International Trails Day is taking place on Saturday 5 June 2021 as an annual celebration of walking trails worldwide, their significance and the important role we all play in conserving them. Originally founded by The American Hiking Society (AMS) and Read on>
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Public urged against actions that could spark wildfires in Surrey Hills AONB
Residents and visitors to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are being reminded of the dangers of wildfires as the weather becomes more seasonably warm and we head towards the bank holiday weekend. Just one spark, whether Read on>
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Every Flower Counts – Get Involved to Support Vital Plant Pollination
This month, people are being urged to leave the mower in the shed and the lawn to nature as part of Plantlife’s ‘No Mow May’. Plantlife is the British conservation charity that works to save threatened wild flowers, plants and fungi, both Read on>
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New Countryside Code highlights sharing the space, making memories and protecting the environment
This month saw the launch of a new, refreshed Countryside Code from Natural England, with the aim of updating the guidance for those visiting and enjoying the countryside. The refreshed Countryside Code encourages all ages to get out into green Read on>
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The Surrey Hills develops proposals for new hotels, homes and a superhighway across the National Landscape
The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty secured the top spot in a recent Sunday Times article as the best place to live in the South East. Boasting diverse and picturesque landscapes, quintessential towns and villages and breathtaking views Read on>
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The Sunday Times names the Surrey Hills as best place to live in the Southeast
The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has been named as the best place to live in the Southeast, according to The Sunday Times newspaper. Topping the list for the region, the Surrey Hills was chosen for its Read on>
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Visiting the Surrey Hills as Lockdown Eases
As lockdown measures ease during March and April we are expecting the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to be a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The past year has drawn more people than ever towards our Read on>
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Walkers in Surrey Hills asked to follow the Countryside Code
The NFU has joined with Surrey Hills AONB in appealing to walkers to keep dogs on a lead around farm animals and follow the countryside code. Heather Kerswell, Chair of the Surrey Hills AONB Board, said: “The past year has Read on>
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Off-road impact: 4×4 vehicles causing damage to Surrey Hills
Off Road motorised vehicles are having a major impact on the Surrey Hills. The popularity of these activities through the woods and commons of this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with new tracks being illegally carved out on private land, has increased during lockdown and creates tension with landowners and leisure users. Read on>
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New Inspiring Views Coming Soon in 2021: Experience Art on the North Downs Way
Two new Surrey Hills Arts Inspiring Views projects are soon set to launch across the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), improving access and celebrating special locations through innovative, sculptural seating – ‘Radius’ at Denbies Hillside, Dorking and Read on>
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Tread carefully to respect the Surrey Hills AONB
With the past year having drawn more people than ever towards our green spaces in an effort to find fresh air for exercise and to reconnect with nature, the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is calling on Read on>
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Striking new artwork installed in the Surrey Hills
Striking new artwork ‘Optohedron’ has been installed along the North Downs Way National Trail, a short walk from Newlands Corner in the Surrey Hills. Created by artist Will Nash, this distinct sculptural seat is the latest addition to a Surrey Read on>
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Surrey MPs support Surrey Hills Boundary Review
Surrey MPs, led by Jonathan Lord MP, are urging Natural England to begin the long-awaited review of the proposed extension to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Read on>
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Surrey Hills next in line for boundary extension
The Surrey Hills AONB Board are delighted to hear the news today 7 July that fellow AONB, Suffolk Coast & Heaths has had approval from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to extend their current boundary. Read on>
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How will the British landscape look different post Covid-19?
The Prize is a bold and exciting opportunity for optimists to help visualise a hopeful and possible future for the London City Region by sharing ideas to make our lives and landscapes greener, healthier, more beautiful and wilder. Read on>
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Buglife’s B-Lines will put a buzz back into Surrey‘s towns and countryside
Buglife with funding from Defra, has launched an ambitious plan to help our bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other pollinating insects. Read on>
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Safe Haven for Swifts in the Surrey Hills
An eye-catching new swift nesting tower has been erected in the Surrey Hills on Shalford Common to protect one of Britain’s most remarkable and endangered bird species. Read on>
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‘Don’t travel’ plea from the Surrey Hills
As we head into the Bank Holiday weekend with good weather forecast we want to re-iterate our message that this is not the time to travel to visit the Surrey Hills as many public facilities and car parks remain closed. Read on>
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Sky Lanterns – a huge danger to environment & wildlife
Concern is growing on the increased use of sky lanterns and the damage they are doing to our local countryside, wildlife and livestock. Read on>
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INSPIRING SURREY HILLS BUSINESSES
In amongst the difficult daily news, Surrey Hills has an inspiring range of stories about local businesses supporting their local communities, key workers and NHS staff. Read on>
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New 5 year Management Plan launched for the Surrey Hills
The Surrey Hills AONB Management Plan is an important step in the conservation of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and was launched in early December 2019. Read on>
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New Environmental Design Guide launched for Surrey Hills
A new guidance document was launched at a Surrey Hills Community Forum last week promoting key principles and best practice for country lanes, signage and building design in the Surrey Hills. Read on>
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Earl of Wessex presents Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO visited the Surrey Hills last week to present The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) to the Surrey Hills Society. Read on>
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Into the Surrey Hills – new Girlguiding badge
A new Girlguiding badge has been launched in Surrey to encourage young people outdoors into the countryside. Read on>
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Celebrating 60 years
2018 is a significant milestone for the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as it marks the 60th anniversary of the designation. The Surrey Hills was one of the first landscapes in the country to be designated in Read on>
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Bike Trail extended
Trail extended to an 8.5km loop starting and ending at Leith Hill tower. Read on>
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