About

The Surrey Hills Forest, including the woodlands of Effingham Forest, Ranmore, Highridge Wood, Bury Hill and Redlands, is one of the most significant areas of publicly managed woodland in the Dorking area. Covering more than 600 hectares, these forests form part of the Surrey Hills Historic Landscape and are a valued place for wildlife, recreation, and landscape heritage.

Visitors come to the Surrey Hills woodlands for walking, cycling, horse riding and enjoying nature throughout the year. Much of the forest is fully open access, and where access is more limited—such as in parts of Bury Hill and Redlands—public rights of way still provide well‑used routes. The surrounding hills and valleys are often referred to as “Little Switzerland” due to their distinctive topography, making this one of the most scenic areas of the region.

The forests include significant areas of ancient woodland, two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), historic features such as the Lovelace Bridges, and a wide range of habitats from conifer plantations to wet woodland and open ride edges. More than 25 tree species can be found in places like Bury Hill and Redlands, contributing to a rich and diverse landscape.

Our long‑term vision

The Forestry Commission aims to make the Surrey Hills Forest a resilient, biodiverse and welcoming landscape that can withstand pressures such as climate change, pests and diseases, and increasing visitor use. We want these forests to provide benefits for people, wildlife and the local economy for generations to come.

Key Objectives of the Forest Plan

• Building resilience to climate change and tree diseases
• Increase the mix of tree species and ages across the forest.
• Use natural regeneration to restock areas after felling where conditions allow.
• Plant trees from suitable provenances that are better adapted to future climate conditions.
• Protecting and enhancing wildlife and habitats
• Maintain Sites of Special Scientific Interest in favourable condition.
• Continue restoring Planted Ancient Woodland Sites back to predominantly native broadleaf woodland.
• Manage open spaces, ride edges and glades to support pollinators, birds and other wildlife.
• Restore wet woodlands by removing invasive rhododendron and encouraging alder coppice regeneration.
• Caring for the forest soil
• Expand the use of Low Impact Silvicultural Systems (LISS) where appropriate to protect soil and reduce disturbance.
• Support soil health by increasing species such as birch, hornbeam, small‑leaved lime and alder, particularly in wetter areas.
• Supporting public access and recreation
• Maintain the current level of public access and visitor opportunities across the forest.
• Improve visitor experience where possible, while ensuring that increased recreation does not compromise the health or resilience of the woodland.

What this means for the future

Over time, the Surrey Hills Forest will become:

• more diverse, with a greater mix of native and climate‑resilient species.
• more resilient, with a structure and age range that helps it withstand storms, drought and disease.
• better for wildlife, including rare and protected species found in the Surrey Hills AONB.
• more enjoyable to visit, with a high‑quality natural environment supporting a wide range of recreation.
• better aligned with national priorities, including tackling climate change, restoring nature, protecting ancient woodland and supporting sustainable timber production.