Council's 10,000-acre countryside estate gets upgrade

New walking trails, playgrounds and upgraded visitor centres are among the improvements across a council's 10,000-acre countryside estate.

The facilities are designed to support health and wellbeing initiatives and give residents more opportunities to connect with nature, Surrey County Council said.

The enhancements reflect a commitment made in 2020 between the council and Surrey Wildlife Trust to manage and maintain the visitor services, public access and conservation in a more cost-effective way and sustainable way, the authority added.

Marisa Heath, cabinet member for environment, said: "It is very important that we do what is right by nature as decisions we make now have a significant impact on the future of Surrey's natural landscape and biodiversity."

The improvements include two new public access sites – Tice's Meadow and Grafton Stables, and refurbished visitor centres at Newlands Corner and Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett.

It also features upgraded car parks and toilets, new accessible paths at Newlands Corner, Norbury Park and Staffhurst Wood, and more than 75 miles of self-guided trails across 22 sites.

In addition, the improvements have seen a refreshed fleet of vehicles, including a sustainable electric waste collection vehicle.

Heath said: "There are so many health and wellbeing benefits of being outside and engaged with the great outdoors, so making it accessible and enjoyable for all has been a priority."

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