Proposed Expansion of Surrey Hills AONB
Natural England has put forth a formal proposal to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, seeking to extend the boundaries of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). If approved, this initiative would incorporate an additional 129 square kilometres into the existing Surrey Hills designation, representing a significant expansion of 30.5 per cent.
Significance of the Surrey Hills
Graham Horton, Deputy Director for the Thames Solent area at Natural England, expressed the importance of this landscape, stating, “The Surrey Hills is one of our nation’s most cherished landscapes, loved by the people who live here and by the millions who come to enjoy its beauty, wildlife and sense of tranquillity.” He added that extending the national landscape designation would enhance protections for the area, ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy.
This proposal is the result of extensive collaboration over the years with local communities, partners, and landowners who share a dedication to maintaining the unique character of the Surrey Hills. The initiative also aims to protect the landscapes that extend into Hampshire and Greater London, ensuring they remain intact for generations to come.
Community Engagement and Support
The proposal has emerged after a thorough process of technical assessment and public consultation. This included a formal notice period that allowed for public input. Feedback has been predominantly positive, with support levels ranging from 80 to 95 per cent, despite some objections, all of which have been duly considered.
The Secretary of State is now tasked with reviewing the evidence before deciding whether to confirm, amend, or reject the proposal. There is currently no defined timeline for this decision, and the proposed areas will not gain any new status until the Secretary of State confirms the extension.
Benefits of Designation
Natural England undertakes this work under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, with the aim of conserving and enhancing England’s most remarkable landscapes. The proposed designation would not only support nature recovery and climate resilience but also promote public health and wellbeing, enhance local tourism, and facilitate coordinated management plans for conservation efforts. Such measures would also attract further funding to support these initiatives.
Looking Ahead
Natural England has expressed gratitude to all who have contributed to the project thus far and is eager to progress to the next stage of the process. The proposal has been submitted alongside another initiative aimed at designating a new AONB in the Yorkshire Wolds, both of which are integral to Natural England’s landscape designation programme.
Areas designated as AONBs, or national landscapes, are specifically intended for the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty. For further details regarding the Surrey Hills project, additional information can be found on the Surrey Hills National Landscape (AONB) Variation Project Second Consultation on Citizen Space.
For media inquiries, journalists may contact 0800 141 2743 or send an email to communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk. Public inquiries can be directed to 0300 060 3900 or via email at enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk.