Natural England has launched a statutory and public consultation for the proposed Surrey Hills national landscape extensions. It will remain open for 12 weeks.
The proposal to extend the Surrey Hills national landscape is part of an ambitious programme of landscape designation and is one of four new designation projects to help deliver on the government’s commitment to safeguard more of England’s beautiful and iconic landscapes for future generations.
Allison Potts, Natural England deputy director for the Thames Solent area, said, “This consultation marks an important step forward in Natural England’s ambitious landscape designation programme. A huge thank you to the local community, who provided us with more than 1,500 responses in last year’s consultation. We have listened to their feedback and evidence and have the opportunity to review additional land for the national landscape.
“In line with our statutory duty, we invite anyone interested in this iconic landscape to take the time to examine the proposals and have their say on the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ consultation hub.”
If the proposed areas are added to the Surrey Hills national landscape, this could bring many benefits including conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage, as well as the views and beauty of the area.
It will give improved access to nature for the benefit of people’s health and wellbeing whilst boosting economic growth and local tourism and safeguard a nationally important landscape for future generations. All on the doorstep of London.
The Surrey Hills is an iconic and beautiful landscape encompassing rare habitats from acid and chalk grassland to extensive ancient woodland and is enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors. The national landscape stretches across a quarter of the county of Surrey and includes the chalk slopes of the North Downs from Farnham in the west to Oxted in the east, and extends south to the deeply wooded Greensand Hills, which rise around Haslemere.
To find out more and to take part in the consultation click here
Once the consultation period has closed, Natural England will assess the feedback, make any amendments, and the Natural England board will then consider whether to approve a draft designation order to include any new land within the national landscape.
If a legal designation variation order to include additional areas in the Surrey Hills AONB is approved by the Natural England board, it would not take effect until it is confirmed by the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs.
Photo credit: Surrey Hills National Landscape: Frensham Ponds