News from the Surrey Hills

In time for its 50th Anniversary in May a new board has been established as the decision-making body for the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with Councillor Michael Sydney as Chairman. CPRE Surrey has been invited to nominate an advisory member to the board and Tim Harrold has accepted this role.

 

The glorious Surrey Hills

 

In time for its 50th Anniversary in May a new board has been established as the decision-making body for the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with Councillor Michael Sydney as Chairman. The board consists of representatives from the local authorities of Guildford, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, Tandridge and Waverley, and from Surrey County Council.

 

Natural England and the National Trust have co-opted membership as well. The Surrey Wildlife Trust are also represented on the Board. Rob Fairbanks who has been the Surrey Hills AONB Officer for many years has been appointed Director.

 

CPRE Surrey has been invited to nominate an advisory member

to the board in view of its “resources, influence, expertise and commitment”. CPRE Surrey Chairman Tim Harrold has agreed to accept this role. One of the first tasks of the new board will be to prepare the new AONB Management Plan, due for implementation from 2009, with its objectives of protecting, conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the best of the Surrey countryside.

 

Work on preparing the constitution for a new Surrey Hills Society has been proceeding well since last October when 90 participants indicated their interest in being involved at a preliminary meeting at Denbies. A committee has been formed with the former Leader of Mole Valley District Council, Neil Maltby, as Chairman-designate. The Society will be launched in May at a reception in the House of Commons hosted by Sir Paul Beresford MP, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Surrey Hills AONB. CPRE has pledged its support for the new charitable organisation which will be open to all friends of the Surrey Hills. Further information about the society can be obtained from the Surrey Hills Project Manager, Gail Sperrin on 01372 220651.

 

The Surrey Hills Partnership is also celebrating a grant of over £40,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund this year. This funding will be used to develop a series of farm visits for local people, guided walks, the production of information leaflets and other projects linking particular localities with the agriculture that has shaped them. Other activities include events marking “Surrey Farm & Village Week”, a major conference in Dorking and a presence at the Surrey County show on 26th May and at the Cranleigh Show on 3rd August.

 

Surrey Hills AONB website