The Betchworth Hills - a National Landscape? 

 


The Surrey Hills are no longer an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  Don’t panic. They’ve been upgraded, and are now a 'National Landscape'! 

But will the Betchworth Hills be part of this National Landscape? On 22 November 2023 all AONBs in England and Wales adopted the new name, introduced by Government department Defra, to “reflect their national importance; the vital contribution they make to protect the nation from the threats of climate change, nature depletion and the wellbeing crisis, whilst also creating greater understanding and awareness of the work that they do.” The re-branding does not affect the legal status of the Surrey Hills, which retain the same protection as a National Park. 
 
Consultations on whether to extend the Surrey Hills NL boundary (in 15 areas, including ours) closed last June, and Natural England is expected to respond shortly.  But don’t get over-excited, as their response is just another step in a bureaucratic two-step: “As a result of consultation, any new area to be added to the proposed extension would require further consultation. The finalised proposals would then be subject to a formal Notice Period prior to submission to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for their confirmation”. 
 
So watch this space...

You can find more information about this process and its impact at Surrey Hills - National Landscape.