Natural England submits Surrey Hills proposed extension

Natural England has formally submitted a proposal to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to extend the boundary of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, now referred to as a national landscape.

If approved, the extension would add 129 km² to the protected area, increasing its size by 30.5 per cent. The proposal follows years of technical assessment, public consultation, and engagement with local communities, landowners, and partners.

The organisation says the extension would help protect more of the distinctive Surrey Hills landscape for future generations. It highlights the area’s beauty, wildlife, and tranquillity, and says the change would strengthen conservation while also supporting public access and enjoyment. Natural England emphasises that the proposal reflects long-term collaboration and shared commitment to safeguarding the character of the landscape, including areas that extend into Hampshire and Greater London.

Public consultation has shown strong support, with approval levels ranging from 80 to 95 per cent across different rounds, although objections were also received and considered. The proposal was developed through formal statutory processes under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which gives Natural England responsibility for conserving and enhancing England’s finest landscapes.

The Secretary of State now has the final decision and can confirm, amend, or refuse the order. No new designation will apply unless the proposal is confirmed, and there is no fixed deadline for the decision. Natural England says it is grateful to everyone involved so far and is ready for the next stage of the process.

It also says the designation could bring wider benefits, including:

• support for nature recovery
• greater climate resilience
• improvements to public health and wellbeing
• boosts to local tourism
• the creation of the area’s first coordinated management plan
• better focus for conservation work and access to additional funding

The Surrey Hills proposal was submitted alongside a separate proposal for a new AONB in the Yorkshire Wolds, both part of Natural England’s wider landscape designation programme. Further information is available through the Surrey Hills National Landscape (AONB) Variation Project consultation on Defra’s Citizen Space platform.