Proposal Submitted for Expansion of Surrey Hills National Landscape

Natural England has put forward a proposal to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs aimed at expanding the boundary of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

If approved by the Secretary of State, this initiative would see an additional 129 square kilometres incorporated into the Surrey Hills, which is celebrated for its exceptional natural beauty. This would represent a 30.5 per cent increase to the current Surrey Hills National Landscape.

Preservation of a Cherished Landscape

Graham Horton, Deputy Director for Natural England in the Thames Solent area, remarked on the significance of the Surrey Hills, 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. Extending the national landscape designation will help protect even more of this special place, ensuring that future generations can experience and enjoy it in the same way we do today.”

This proposal is the result of extensive collaboration with local communities, partners, and landowners, all of whom are committed to preserving the unique character of the Surrey Hills and safeguarding the landscapes that extend into Hampshire and Greater London for future generations.

Extensive Consultation and Support

The initiative follows years of technical assessments and public consultations, which included a formal notice period allowing for public representations. The feedback received during consultations has been overwhelmingly positive, with support ranging between 80 to 95 per cent, despite some objections that have been thoroughly 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 established timeline for this decision, and the areas proposed for extension will not gain new status until the confirmation is granted.

Broader Benefits of Designation

Natural England undertakes this initiative under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, with the aim of conserving and enhancing England’s most remarkable landscapes. The designation would also contribute to nature recovery, climate resilience, public health, and local tourism, while facilitating the development of the area’s first coordinated management plan. This plan would enhance conservation efforts and unlock additional funding opportunities.

Natural England expresses gratitude to all those who have contributed to this project thus far and anticipates the next stage of the process.

Further Context and Information

This proposal was submitted alongside another initiative to designate a new AONB in the Yorkshire Wolds, as both projects are part of Natural England’s landscape designation programme. AONBs, or national landscapes, are designated specifically to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape.

For additional information regarding the Surrey Hills project, please visit the Surrey Hills National Landscape (AONB) Variation Project Second Consultation page on the Defra Citizen Space website.

For media inquiries, journalists may contact: 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk. Public inquiries can be directed to: 0300 060 3900 or enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk.