Surrey is home to amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes; this nature is vital in contributing to our health, well-being, and sense of place. Like the rest of the UK, Surrey’s nature needs our help to maintain and build up it’s biodiversity.

Delivering Surrey's Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Local Nature Recovery Strategy

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Get involved in your local community to help Surrey's nature thrive

Find your group

<h1>Find your group</h1>Click on the group(s) you belong to below to find out how you can take a more active role in Surrey&#39;s nature recovery:<ul><li style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://surreynaturerecovery.commonplace.is/proposals/find-your-group/step2">Residents</a></li><li style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://surreynaturerecovery.commonplace.is/proposals/find-your-group/step3">Those active in nature recovery</a></li><li style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://surreynaturerecovery.commonplace.is/proposals/find-your-group/step4">Businesses and Organisations</a></li><li><a href="https://surreynaturerecovery.commonplace.is/proposals/find-your-group/step5">Landowners and Farmers </a></li></ul>

<h1>Residents</h1><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1714744238/projects/660c09ba611905917b59f527/cxiosy8wlltkey8pusbx.png" class="fr-fic fr-rounded fr-dii" data-uw-rm-alt-original=""> Surrey is known and loved for it&rsquo;s beautiful rolling countryside, in particular its woodland areas, one-fifth of Surrey&rsquo;s land is covered by trees. Nightjars, Sand Lizards, Cowslips, Glowworms and Hazel Dormouse are some of the iconic species calling Surrey home. They need our help if they are to continue thriving and surviving against the current threats to nature.<a href="https://localnaturerecoverystrategy.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/take-the-survey/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tell us about what&rsquo;s important to you via our survey</a>. This survey will help us to find out your favourite habitat<del cite="mailto:Deborah%20Hickman" datetime="2024-04-19T14:32" id="isPasted">&rsquo;</del>s and species locally, your favourite places to experience nature in Surrey and if you have noticed any changes to habitats and wildlife around youWe are holding a series of round table events throughout May and June 2024. At these events, we will be delving into more depth about the strategy, discovering some of the science behind the decisions we taken and work shopping solutions. We want to have a wide representation from across the Surrey community so we hear as many diverse views as possible.&nbsp;For those keen to take a more active role in Surrey&#39;s nature recovery, why not participate in a working group?&nbsp;If you are interested in taking part in any way, email <a href="mailto:nature@surreycc.gov.uk" id="isPasted">nature@surreycc.gov.uk</a> to find out more.&nbsp;Do you have access to an outdoor space or garden?<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1714665925/projects/660c09ba611905917b59f527/qitcnb6mci11wnmipfqn.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-fir fr-rounded" style="width: 119px;" data-uw-rm-alt-original="">&nbsp;With some friendly encouragement your outdoor space can become a haven for plants and wildlife.&nbsp;If you have an allotment that needs more arthropods, or you&#39;re keen to invite more invertebrates to your veg patch, there are lots of small changes you can make. Before long, you&#39;ll be welcoming wildlife into your outdoor space.&nbsp;<ul id="isPasted"><li>Provide shelter:&nbsp;native shrubs and trees can provide natural nesting and resting places for wildlife. Not only will this benefit the wildlife it will also provide you with much needed shade in Summer.&nbsp;</li><li>Make a meadow: if you have a garden with a lawn, over mowing the grass can negatively impact wildlife. Consider replacing a section of lawn with a wildflower meadow and see bees, butterflies, and other insects flood in. Plants to consider: Silver Birch, Guelder Rose, Common hawthorn, Honeysuckle, Ivy, Jasmine, Wisteria. &nbsp;</li><li>Build a hedgehog hole: The average hedgehog roams 2km a night! Collaborate with your neighbours to make a hole in the fence to connect gardens and allow hedgehogs to pass through.</li></ul>

<h1>Those active in nature recovery</h1><h3>Community groups, voluntary organisations, partnerships, and local councils <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1714744099/projects/660c09ba611905917b59f527/ojot858xirzczdrp9rhs.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" data-uw-rm-alt-original=""></h3> We know there is a wide network of amazing work being done to recover and maintain nature in Surrey.&nbsp;These groups include (but are not limited too):<ul><li>Local community and faith groups or societies</li><li>Local environmental groups</li><li>Voluntary organisations&nbsp;</li><li>Active local authorities such as Town and Parish Councils</li></ul>These groups are vital in contributing their knowledge and views to shape Surrey&rsquo;s LNRS plan. Many of these groups will already have existing priorities and extensive knowledge of their local areas, playing an essential role in the delivery of the LNRS.If you represent any of the groups above, we want to hear from you. Email <a href="mailto:nature@surreycc.gov.uk">nature@surreycc.gov.uk</a> to register your interest and start a conversation about how we can best work with your organisation.&nbsp;

<h1>Businesses and Organisations </h1>The acute impacts of biodiversity loss on the economy were highlighted in the National Ecosystems Assessment (NEA) in 2011. Responsible economic growth will help to achieve a sustainable and prosperous Surrey. Surrey based businesses, whatever the size, can take part in the LNRS.&nbsp;There are many benefits to business and organisations if they choose to take part in the Surrey&rsquo;s nature recovery.To get involved, email <a href="mailto:nature@surreycc.gov.uk">nature@surreycc.gov.uk</a> to register your interest and start a conversation about how we can best work with your organisation.&nbsp;

<h1>Landowners and Farmers</h1><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1714749686/projects/660c09ba611905917b59f527/mh72yvqyb6mxndficock.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" data-uw-rm-alt-original=""> We want everyone in Surrey to contribute their opinion on priorities for nature recovery. It is particularly important we hear from those who own and work the land, landowners and farmers.&nbsp;Email <a href="mailto:nature@surreycc.gov.uk">nature@surreycc.gov.uk</a> to be kept informed on upcoming events.&nbsp;

Click here to find out about the strategy, who we are, and how you can join a workshop.

Image credit: JonHawkins

About the project

<h1>About the project</h1>Learn more about the project using the sections below:<ul><li style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://surreynaturerecovery.commonplace.is/proposals/about-the-project/step2">What is the Local Nature Recovery Strategy?</a></li><li style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://surreynaturerecovery.commonplace.is/proposals/about-the-project/step3">Who are we?</a></li><li style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://surreynaturerecovery.commonplace.is/proposals/about-the-project/step4">Get Involved</a></li><li style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://surreynaturerecovery.commonplace.is/proposals/about-the-project/step5">Join a Workshop</a></li></ul>

<h1>What is the Local Nature Recovery Strategy? </h1><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1714732227/projects/660c09ba611905917b59f527/ybfko5bfzow02b6hgqrb.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-rounded" data-uw-rm-alt-original="">The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is a new spatial strategy to improve nature in Surrey aiming to:<ul><li>Reconnect as much of the local habitat as possible to create larger, better managed, and more joined up areas for nature.&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure improved management of existing designated sites to provide better habitat for key species.&nbsp;</li><li>Where possible ensure these areas also provide other environmental benefits such as: flood alleviation, water storage, carbon sequestration (soaking up carbon from the atmosphere),shelter, pollution filters</li><li>To better engage the community with nature rich spaces for health and wellbeing.</li></ul>Surrey County Council have been appointed as the Responsible Authority, working with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the LNRS is produced, formally adopted, and reviewed.&nbsp;You can find out more about the Local Nature Recovery Strategy by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVB4fHaaYZw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">watching our launch webinar</a>:<iframe width="100%" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KVB4fHaaYZw?si=rd8ycOgJWtaDtY8l" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

<h1>Who are we?</h1><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1714743380/projects/660c09ba611905917b59f527/kt0arunzsrgokfaxjxry.png" class="fr-fic fr-rounded fr-dib" data-uw-rm-alt-original="">Our partnership is made up of our Steering Board plus several &#39;working groups&#39;, that are responsible for taking our work forward in particular areas. These groups are made up of individuals and organisations which have extensive expertise in ecology and habitat recovery.&nbsp;The following organisations are members of the steering group:&nbsp;<ul><li>Surrey County Council&nbsp;</li><li>Surrey Nature Partnership&nbsp;</li><li>Surrey Wildlife Trust&nbsp;</li><li>Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre&nbsp;</li><li>Guildford Borough Council (representing Local Planning Authorities in Surrey)&nbsp;</li><li>Natural England&nbsp;</li><li>Forestry Commission&nbsp;</li><li>Environment Agency&nbsp;</li><li>National Farmers Union (NFU)</li><li>Country Land and Business Association (CLA)&nbsp;</li><li>Surrey Hills National Landscape&nbsp;</li><li>Hampton Estate &nbsp;</li></ul>The delivery of the strategy will be managed by three separate working groups. &nbsp;A Stakeholder Engagement and Design Group&nbsp;&ndash; that will ensure everyone who is interested has a chance to participate. This will be led by Surrey Nature Partnership.&nbsp;A Data and Mapping Technical Group &ndash; responsible for gathering together all of the information about habitats to ensure sound decisions and realistic priorities are put forward. This will be led by the Surrey Nature Recovery Lead.&nbsp;A Species Technical Group &ndash; leading the way on creating a plan that works for all different species groups and some 1,500-plus different types of plants, animals, birds, insects and fungi, some incredibly scare, who make Surrey their home. This will be led by Surrey Wildlife Trust.&nbsp;<h1>How are we funding the strategy?</h1>The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are providing each Responsible Authority with additional funding to support the development of Local Nature Recovery Strategies.&nbsp;Surrey County Council and Surrey Nature Recovery partner organisations are also supporting the gathering of local evidence to support the strategy.&nbsp;We are working closely with our partners across Surrey, including eleven district and borough councils and Natural England to make sure we develop a solid plan that is in line with DEFRA&#39;s funding policy.

<h1>Find out how you can shape our plan!</h1><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1714743949/projects/660c09ba611905917b59f527/sz3ft83jqcdzeqz6xppv.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" data-uw-rm-alt-original="">We want everyone in Surrey talking about nature recovery. Your input and feedback is essential when shaping the plans to restore habitats and help protect species across Surrey.There are many ways to get involved, start by <a href="https://surreynaturerecovery.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/take-the-survey/step1?_gl=1*1jglcw6*_gcl_au*NzYwNTQ3NDU4LjE3MTUyNDI5MTk." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">taking our online survey</a> to share your views.Your comments will be taken into consideration when we create the priorities and actions for Surrey.Over the next few months, we will be hosting events where you can come along and meet the team in person to learn more about the plan.&nbsp;<a href="https://localnaturerecoverystrategy.commonplace.is/"></a><a href="https://surreynaturerecovery.commonplace.is/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe on the home page for news updates</a>&nbsp;when they happen.

<h1>Join a workshop</h1><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1715352451/projects/660c09ba611905917b59f527/okmtpglj5cprefynspdi.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" data-uw-rm-alt-original="">We are holding a series of round table events throughout May, June and July 2024. At these events, we will be delving into more depth about the strategy, discovering some of the science behind the decisions we taken and work shopping solutions. We want to discuss nature recovery in Surrey, what it should look like and how we get there.&nbsp;We want to have a wide representation from across the Surrey community so we hear as many diverse views as possible.&nbsp;We are looking for representation from:<ul><li>farmers, growers and foresters&nbsp;</li><li>non-farming business-landowners/ managers such as developers, golf courses, landscaped gardens, estates of businesses like NHS, hotels, theme parks etc.&nbsp;</li><li>the community such as parish council reps, countryside management partnerships and community leaders</li><li>people and nature - the voice of people who bring individuals and communities together with nature for health and wellbeing</li><li>landscape and habitat - the voice of peopel arleady working on specific habitats and landscapes</li><li>young people - the voice of 16 - 30 year olds through educational settings and young people&#39;s groups and organisations</li></ul>Please follow the links in the table below to secure your spot!<div class="cp-table-scroller"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="cp-table fr-alternate-rows fr-dashed-borders" id="isPasted" width="935"><thead><tr><th style="width: 10.0821%; vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="10.042735042735043%">Date</th><th valign="top" width="11.324786324786325%">Theme</th><th valign="top" width="10.256410256410257%">Venue&nbsp;</th><th valign="top" width="6.837606837606837%">Start time</th><th valign="top" width="7.264957264957265%">End time&nbsp;</th><th valign="top" width="20.94017094017094%">Aimed At people/groups who:</th><th valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">Link to Book</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="10.042735042735043%">Thursday23rd May&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="11.324786324786325%">Non-Farming Business that own land&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="10.256410256410257%">The Drift Golf Club, Effingham&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="6.837606837606837%">09:45am</td><td valign="top" width="7.264957264957265%">3:00pm</td><td valign="top" width="20.94017094017094%">Are Non farming Landowners/managers&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902217816777?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902217816777?aff=oddtdtcreator</a></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="10.042735042735043%">Thursday30th May&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="11.324786324786325%">Community&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="10.256410256410257%">Merrist Wood</td><td valign="top" width="6.837606837606837%">09:45am</td><td valign="top" width="7.264957264957265%">3:00pm</td><td valign="top" width="20.94017094017094%">Manage nature in the community</td><td valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902225369367?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902225369367?aff=oddtdtcreator</a></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="10.042735042735043%">Thursday6th June&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="11.324786324786325%">Farmers, Growers and Foresters&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="10.256410256410257%">Albury Vineyard&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="6.837606837606837%">4:45pm</td><td valign="top" width="7.264957264957265%">8:00pm</td><td valign="top" width="20.94017094017094%">Are Farmers, Growers and Foresters&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902230243947?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902230243947?aff=oddtdtcreator</a></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="10.042735042735043%">Tuesday11th June</td><td valign="top" width="11.324786324786325%">Nature and People&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="10.256410256410257%">Merrist Wood&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="6.837606837606837%">09:45am</td><td valign="top" width="7.264957264957265%">3:00pm</td><td valign="top" width="20.94017094017094%">Bringing people and nature together for health &amp; wellbeing</td><td valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902239230827?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902239230827?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="10.042735042735043%">Tuesday25th June&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="11.324786324786325%">Landscapes and Habitat</td><td valign="top" width="10.256410256410257%">Merrist Wood&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="6.837606837606837%">09:45am</td><td valign="top" width="7.264957264957265%">3:00pm</td><td valign="top" width="20.94017094017094%">Already managing landscape &amp; habitat</td><td valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902241347157?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902241347157?aff=oddtdtcreator</a></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="10.042735042735043%">Tuesday2nd July&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="11.324786324786325%">Farmers, Growers and Foresters&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="10.256410256410257%">Lingfield Community Centre&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="6.837606837606837%">4:45pm</td><td valign="top" width="7.264957264957265%">8:00pm</td><td valign="top" width="20.94017094017094%">Are Farmers, Growers and Foresters</td><td valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/905199023647?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/905199023647?aff=oddtdtcreator</a></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="10.042735042735043%">Thursday11th July&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="11.324786324786325%">Young People&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="10.256410256410257%">Zero Carbon Guildford&nbsp;</td><td valign="top" width="6.837606837606837%">4:45pm</td><td valign="top" width="7.264957264957265%">8:00pm</td><td valign="top" width="20.94017094017094%">Aged 16-30 and represent the next generation</td><td valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902242751357?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902242751357?aff=oddtdtcreator</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div> Powered by <a href="https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor?pb=1" title="Froala Editor">Froala Editor</a>

Tell us about the places you go to spend time in nature on the interactive map

Drop a pin on the interactive map

Click on the purple &quot;Have your say&quot; button and drop a pin on a location where you want to comment. We want you to tell us about:

<ul>
	<li id="isPasted">Your favourite green place to visit</li>
	<li>Natural places you admire</li>
	<li>Areas you are concerned about</li>
	<li>Areas you would like to see turned into a nature recovery site</li>
	<li>Areas you visit for a specific reason (list what reason i.e dog walk, walking, exercise)</li>
	<li>Areas that you are already doing work to help nature in</li>
</ul>

You can come back to this map to tell us about more than one location.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy Surrey

Tell us your priorities for nature in Surrey

Image credit: Mark Crisp

Take the survey 

Read our strategy documents in a variety of different formats

Draft Strategy - coming in Spring 2025

<h1>Draft strategy</h1>We are currently undertaking an extensive period of engagement with organisations, communities and individuals across Surrey.&nbsp;We will involve people who own and manage the land, and the people who take regulatory decisions.&nbsp;Input from the whole community will contribute to what action is being proposed, where and why as we design the plan for Surrey Nature Recovery.&nbsp;When we have completed our conversations and analysed what we have discovered, we will use the data to help us:<ul id="isPasted"><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="0" data-font="Calibri" data-leveltext="-" data-list-defn-props='{"335551671":0,"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Calibri","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"-","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}' data-listid="11">Agree single vision for nature recovery and nature-based solutions&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="0" data-font="Calibri" data-leveltext="-" data-list-defn-props='{"335551671":0,"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Calibri","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"-","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}' data-listid="11">Identify&nbsp;priorities and measures for nature recovery across the&nbsp;county&nbsp;</li></ul>When we have prepared our draft strategy document, we will publish it here.&nbsp;