Have your say on the future of Surrey’s Countryside

Residents and visitors are being invited to take part in a new survey designed to help understand how they use and enjoy Surrey County Council’s owned and managed countryside spaces. Anyone who has enjoyed a walk, picnic, or bike ride in Surrey’s countryside, is encouraged to share their views.

Surrey boasts a range of outdoor spaces, from woodlands to hillsides, which allows residents and visitors to connect with nature, enjoy recreational activities. Surrey County Council owns and manages over 10,000 acres of green spaces, including Norbury Park, Newlands Corner, and Chobham Common.

Following the pandemic our countryside spaces have welcomed both more and new residents, with visitors understanding the benefits of spending time outdoors; for mental and physical health, to connect with people, or as part of a daily commute. The countryside also supports the local economy by attracting tourism to the county.

The visitor survey is an opportunity to capture how people use the sites, and what they value most about Surrey’s countryside, whether it’s the wildlife, walking and cycling trails, or viewpoints. It also seeks opinions on how the council can make these spaces even better and more accessible for everyone. Whether it’s improved signage, better facilities, or new initiatives to protect the environment, feedback will help guide decisions and investment in visitor experiences while safeguarding Surrey’s countryside for future generations.

Marisa Heath, Cabinet Member for Environment at Surrey County Council, said; “We are proud of the incredible countryside Surrey has to offer, but we know there’s always room to grow and improve. It’s important that all residents and visitors to our countryside spaces are heard and by sharing their experiences and ideas through our survey, will help us ensure our green spaces continue to be vibrant, accessible, and well cared for. Whether you’re a regular visitor or someone who has only visited once or twice, your feedback is invaluable and will help shape where the council directs resources to benefit visitors now and in the future.”

The survey is quick and easy to complete and is open until Friday 30 May.

To take part online visit; Explore Surrey Countryside Visitor Survey – Surrey County Council – Citizen Space