Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural beauty could be expanded
It is part of moves to increase protected landscapes
The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty could have its boundaries widened.
Natural England is due to announce proposals today for new protected areas, with four places across England under consideration, including in Surrey.
It is part of moves to increase protected landscapes.
The extra Surrey area would include chalk grassland, parkland and historic features next to the existing AONB.
Natural England said: "The Surrey Hills AONB 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 in Haslemere.
"On the doorstep of London, an extension to the Surrey Hills AONB boundary would give greater access to the natural environment. This would help preserve its rural heritage, promote tranquillity and give more access to nature for the benefit of people's health and well-being."
It said three other areas – the Chilterns, Cheshire Sandstone Ridge and Yorkshire Wolds – will be also be considered for greater protections, with potential to deliver over 40% of the additional 4,000km2 required to meet the UK’s commitment to protect 30% of our land by 2030.
Natural England will also be considering proposals for new National Nature Reserves.
The Environment Secretary will today set out the government’s support for improved nature recovery and public access in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty ahead of a consultation on draft proposals later this year. The statement will also outline a new ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes’ programme to support farmers and other land managers to improve their landscapes and create thriving destinations for communities to enjoy. As Government’s statutory landscape adviser, the proposals for new designations will be delivered by Natural England, who will also be supporting the new programme for farmers in protected landscapes.
Allison Potts, Area Manager for Natural England said:
“The Surrey Hills is an iconic and beautiful landscape encompassing rare habitats from chalk grassland to extensive ancient woodland and is enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors from all across the region.
“We are very excited to announce proposals to explore an extension to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a move we hope will boost nature’s recovery and help more people access one of England’s most beautiful landscapes, as we build back greener from the pandemic.”
Heather Kerswell, Chair of the Surrey Hills AONB Board said:
“We are delighted that work is starting on a proposed extension to this nationally important landscape. I find it difficult to understand why the existing boundary was drawn so incredibly tight and excluded many beautiful natural landscapes. This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to assess how the boundaries should be redrawn to benefit nature and people and to give these areas the protection they deserve. We will be working closely with Natural England and local partners.”
Julian Glover, who led the government's independent review of England's National Parks and AONBs said:
‘It’s over 70 years since we first began to protect our national landscapes. Now it’s time to redouble our efforts to do more for nature and more for the people who live in and visit wonderful places such as the Surrey Hills, by finding fair and swift ways to sort out their boundaries. I’m really pleased that Natural England and the government are working with local groups to make sure we get it right."
“As Government’s statutory landscape adviser, we look forward to continuing to work closely with Government, designated landscape bodies and stakeholders to deliver more for and through England’s diverse landscapes.”
The Environment Secretary will today set out the government’s support for improved nature recovery and public access in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty ahead of a consultation on draft proposals later this year.
The statement will also outline a new ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes’ programme to support farmers and other land managers to improve their landscapes and create thriving destinations for communities to enjoy.
As Government’s statutory landscape adviser, the proposals for new designations will be delivered by Natural England, who will also be supporting the new programme for farmers in protected landscapes.