Measures index

Effective management of semi-natural woodland is essential for maintaining and enhancing its ecological value. Promoting structural and species diversity through practices such as selective thinning, coppicing, and natural regeneration helps create a dynamic woodland environment that supports a wider range of wildlife. Maintaining features such as open glades, rides, and transitional edge habitats increases light levels and encourages the development of ground flora and associated species.

Restore PAWS to a more natural, native woodland state by progressively reducing non-native species cover to around 20%. Use phased thinning of conifers to increase light levels, avoiding clear-felling. Where feasible, use low- impact machinery to minimise soil disturbance. Monitor natural regeneration to prevent dominance by non-native species. Where natural regeneration is insufficient, supplement with locally appropriate native species suited to the site’s soil and ecological conditions. Restoration should follow best practice guidance from the Forestry Commission and Woodland Trust to safeguard ancient woodland features and long-term biodiversity.

The widespread impact of ash dieback has led to the loss of many trees, particularly in high-risk areas such as near public rights of way. As more trees succumb, it is essential to manage affected areas to support long-term woodland resilience and biodiversity. Where conditions allow, promote natural regeneration. If regeneration is insufficient, supplement with native or site-appropriate species that reflect the woodland’s character and ecological context. High deer browsing pressure must be addressed through appropriate protection measures to ensure successful regrowth and woodland recovery.

Restoring and enhancing coppiced woodland supports structural diversity, benefits a wide range of wildlife, and revives traditional land management practices. Coppicing involves the periodic cutting of trees to stimulate vigorous regrowth, producing sustainable wood products that can also support other habitat management activities such as hedgerow and river restoration. | Management should follow a rotational cycle that maintains a mosaic of different growth stages, promoting biodiversity and long-term resilience. Protecting regenerating stools from grazing is essential to ensure successful establishment

Creating new woodland adjacent to Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland helps to protect these ecologically valuable habitats from external pressures and enhances landscape-scale connectivity. Establishing buffer zones reduces edge effects, such as pollution and invasive species encroachment, while providing important corridors for wildlife movement and genetic exchange. Careful species selection and design should reflect the character and soil conditions of the existing woodland to promote long-term ecological resilience.

Creating new woodlands in urban and peri-urban locations with limited tree cover delivers multiple environmental and social benefits. These woodlands offer vital habitat for urban wildlife, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to healthier ecosystems. They also provide accessible green spaces that support community wellbeing by offering opportunities for recreation and connection with nature. Additionally, urban woodlands play an important role in improving air quality by filtering pollutants; contribute to climate change adaptation by helping to moderate local temperatures and enhance overall urban resilience.

The creation of new woodlands plays a vital role in strengthening ecological networks by providing buffers around existing woodlands and improving habitat connectivity. Enhancing connectivity helps support wildlife movement, genetic diversity, and ecosystem resilience. Additionally, strategically locating new woodlands promotes a more balanced and equitable distribution of tree cover across Surrey, ensuring wider access to the benefits of woodland environments for both nature and communities.

Planting new woodlands in strategically selected areas can play a key role in managing and reducing flood risk. Trees help slow surface water runoff, increase infiltration and stabilise soils, thereby reducing the likelihood and severity of flooding downstream. By establishing woodlands in flood-prone zones or along river corridors, natural flood management is enhanced, protecting communities and ecosystems while delivering additional benefits such as improved biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

Establishing wet woodland in suitable riparian and floodplain areas can significantly enhance biodiversity and support natural flood management. Priority should be given to locations that connect, buffer or expand existing woodland or wetland habitats. Where possible, native tree species such as alder (Alnus glutinosa), willow (Salix spp.) and birch (Betula spp.) should be allowed to regenerate naturally. | Willow carr may be encouraged as part of a varied habitat mosaic, as it can stabilise soils and help regulate water flow. However, careful planning and management are essential to avoid overshading and to protect other valuable wetland habitats. Maintaining a diverse structure with open areas and a range of age classes will support the greatest biodiversity.

Invasive non-native plant species can outcompete native flora, degrade woodland habitats and limit biodiversity. Effective control and removal of species such as rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and variegated yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon) is essential to restore ecological balance and support native woodland communities. Management should be site-sensitive, using appropriate methods such as mechanical removal, targeted herbicide application or long-term suppression, followed by monitoring and, where necessary, replanting with native species. A strategic, coordinated approach will maximise the long-term resilience and ecological value of woodland ecosystems.

Invasive non-native animal species, particularly grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), pose a serious threat to native wildlife and woodland ecosystems. Their bark-stripping behaviour damage young trees, undermines woodland regeneration, and has contributed to the local extinction of native red squirrels in Surrey. Population control through targeted lethal management may be necessary to mitigate these impacts. Wherever possible non-lethal methods of management such as the emerging use of contraceptives should be considered. Complementing this with the reintroduction of native predators offers a more sustainable, ecologically balanced solution. Combined, these approaches can strengthen woodland resilience, protect native species, and help restore natural ecological processes.

The UK’s deer population is believed to be at its highest level for 1,000 years, with Surrey seeing a rise in fallow, roe and muntjac. Excessive browsing by deer prevents the regeneration of trees and ground flora, undermining woodland restoration and reducing biodiversity. Overpopulation also affects the agricultural sector and leads to road traffic collisions. | Sustainable deer management is essential to restore balance and support healthy woodland ecosystems. This should involve coordinated culling at a landscape scale, undertaken by by competent voluntary and professional stalkers with landowner consent. Effective population control enables woodland creation and nature recovery to succeed, while protecting agricultural interests and broader environmental objectives.

Protecting ancient and veteran trees is vital to preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage. Establish buffer zones around these trees to prevent root damage and minimise soil compaction. Retain standing and fallen deadwood to support associated wildlife and manage pests carefully when necessary. Regular health monitoring is essential to identify emerging threats early. Engaging local communities in conservation and stewardship efforts fosters a collective commitment to safeguarding these irreplaceable natural assets for future generations.

Ensure young trees have adequate space to grow and develop their full canopy potential. Use veteranisation techniques to accelerate the formation of valuable microhabitats by deliberately creating features such as holes, hollows, and cavities. These structures provide essential shelter and breeding sites for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, bats, and bees. Promoting the development of future veteran and ancient trees helps secure the long-term ecological and cultural value of woodland landscapes.

Focus planting efforts on areas with the lowest existing canopy cover and poorer air quality, using tools such as the Tree Equity Index to identify priority locations. Follow best practice guidance from organisations like Trees for Cities to ensure optimal placement. Trees should be strategically sited to provide shade; helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect, enhance water infiltration and improve air quality. Engage local residents and communities throughout the process to foster support and ensure long-term care, including providing assistance with watering and maintenance after planting.

Encouraging the planting and natural regeneration of individual trees across the wider countryside, particularly within hedgerows, enhances landscape connectivity and supports biodiversity. Hedgerows provide vital habitats for a range of wildlife, improve soil stability and contribute to carbon sequestration. This approach also helps maintain traditional rural character and strengthens ecosystem resilience. Careful species selection and siting, aligned with local conditions and farming practices, will maximise ecological and cultural benefits.

Improving the structural condition, width, and continuity of hedgerows supports a rich diversity of wildlife by providing vital habitats and corridors. Management techniques, such as traditional coppicing and hedge laying, encourage varied growth forms and age structures, promoting a mosaic of habitats that benefit birds, insects, and small mammals. Regular maintenance and gap filling strengthens hedgerows’ ecological function, landscape character, and resilience.

Planting new hedgerows in strategic locations can improve ecological connectivity by linking fragmented habitats, allowing wildlife to move more freely across the landscape. Additionally, hedgerows help slow and filter surface water runoff, reducing sedimentation and pollution in rivers and streams. Careful placement and selection of native species will maximise their benefits for biodiversity, soil health, and water quality. A long-term management plan should be in place to maintain new hedgerows, ensuring proper establishment and good condition into the future. | Where practicable consider the use of shaw woodland, establishing wider corridors of 5-15m of native woodland. Shaw woodland has the potential to provide additional connectivity benefits for wildlife as well as increased carbon sequestration and increased shelter for cattle and crops.

Establishing and maintaining graded margins adjacent to hedgerows and woodland edges enhances habitat diversity by providing a variety of vegetation structures. These margins offer essential shelter, foraging opportunities, and nesting sites for birds and other farmland wildlife. Management of these transitional zones supports biodiversity, contributing to healthier and more resilient farmland ecosystems.

This may involve restoring meanders to increase flow variation, elevating riverbeds to reconnect channels with their floodplains, and gently re-profiling banks to support a wider range of wildlife. Such actions help revitalise river systems, benefiting both biodiversity and water management.

Where full removal isn’t possible, alternatives such as fish passes or bypass channels should be introduced to improve fish migration and overall ecosystem function. Restoring free-flowing sections of river enhances biodiversity, water quality, and natural river processes. All interventions should be informed by ecological priorities to maximise benefits for wildlife and strengthen the resilience of the river system.

This may include restoring and managing marginal vegetation, creating quiet refuges for wildlife, and supporting species that depend on these habitats for feeding, breeding, and migration. Where appropriate, replacing hard engineering with softer, more naturalised banks can boost habitat diversity, improve channel connectivity, and enhance the link between aquatic and riparian zones. All improvements should be tailored to site conditions, carefully balancing ecological gains with the operational needs of navigation.

This can involve removing or modifying weirs and other flow-retaining structures to reconnect the river to its natural channel while maintaining the pond’s hydrological separation from the main watercourse. Such actions help reinstate natural sediment movement, enhance water quality, and increase habitat diversity for aquatic species. Offline ponds continue to offer valuable wetland habitats, supporting biodiversity without disrupting river processes.

Buffer zones should be at least 10 metres wide to help reduce bank erosion and slow surface water runoff. Well-vegetated buffers effectively trap sediment and pollutants, while also providing a balanced mix of light and shade to support healthy aquatic habitats. Careful management of these zones promotes water quality, stabilises banks, and creates vital refuge and foraging areas for wildlife.

Restoration will be tailored to each site and may include re-establishing natural flow regimes, reconnecting streams to their floodplains, increasing in-stream habitat complexity, and reducing sediment and pollutant inputs. | Riparian habitats should be strengthened by establishing buffer zones of native vegetation along chalk streams, improving water quality, supporting biodiversity, and boosting resilience to climate change. Promoting sustainable land management practices that minimise runoff and disturbance further aids in safeguarding these globally rare and ecologically important habitats for future generations.

Protect existing fens and create new ones to restore their extent, connectivity, and ecological function. These rare wetlands depend on a consistent supply of clean water and specific nutrient and pH conditions, varying from base-rich alkaline to more acidic types. Enhancement should focus on maintaining natural hydrology, controlling scrub and tree growth, and using cutting or light grazing to support diverse, species-rich habitats. Avoid overgrazing, drainage, and nutrient enrichment. New fens should be established where conditions allow, and buffered from intensive land use, with effective management ensuring long-term biodiversity, climate resilience, and landscape connectivity.

Maintain and enhance existing sites while creating new areas where floodplain reconnection or land-use change permits. These seasonally wet grasslands support diverse plant communities and breeding waders, contributing to natural flood management and improved water quality. Enhancement involves sensitive ditch and grassland management, avoiding intensive drainage, and promoting varied sward structures through cattle grazing and rotational cutting. Creation efforts should restore natural hydrology, seasonal flooding, and develop complex wetland mosaics with scrapes and ditch networks. Such habitats increase biodiversity, structural diversity, and connectivity, playing a vital role in wetland networks, especially in intensively farmed landscapes.

Protect and enhance reedbeds by safeguarding existing sites, restoring degraded areas, and creating new reedbeds where they can improve water quality and support key wetland species like bittern (Botaurus stellaris), reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus), and water vole (Arvicola amphibius). Management should promote varied structure and age through rotational cutting, light grazing, and maintaining open water channels. Typically, a management cycle might range from 4 to 7 years, and no more than 5% of the reedbed should become scrub or woodland to preserve habitat quality. New reedbeds should be established in locations that buffer agricultural or urban runoff, contribute to wetland mosaics, and improve habitat connectivity; considering local hydrology and water levels for long-term success.

Designing wetlands with multiple habitat types helps improve water quality, flood management, and carbon storage, while offering valuable spaces for breeding, feeding, and sheltering species. | Due to the detailed requirements of wetland creation this potential measure applies to the creation of wet woodland, reedbed, flood plain grazing marsh and lowland fen. Site-specific planning ensures habitats are tailored to local conditions, maximising their long-term biodiversity and environmental benefits as well as accounting for the specific management actions that are feasible for the location

These features intercept and treat polluted runoff, removing sediment, nutrients, hydrocarbons, and other contaminants before they reach waterbodies. SuDS elements such as swales, detention basins, infiltration zones, and vegetated filter strips also provide valuable biodiversity and amenity benefits. | Priority sites include sewage treatment works and road drainage. Design should mimic natural processes, improve habitat connectivity, and manage water flow. Long-term maintenance is essential to sustain effectiveness and ecological value.

Beavers act as natural ecosystem engineers, and their reintroduction offers a valuable nature-based solution for restoring wetland environments. By building dams and creating wetlands, beavers help raise local water tables, slow water flow, trap sediment, and enhance water quality. This supports the development of habitats such as wet woodland, fen, and wet grassland. Their activity promotes biodiversity through the formation of diverse, dynamic aquatic and terrestrial habitats, while also providing ecosystem benefits like natural flood management, drought resilience, and carbon storage. Successful reintroductions require local support, careful impact assessment, and ongoing monitoring and management.

Catchment-wide eradication of North American mink is essential to enable the successful recovery of water vole populations and to the ecological integrity of riparian habitats. While intensive control efforts are underway in parts of the Wey and Hogsmill catchments, these initiatives must be expanded and sustained across Surrey to prevent re-invasion and secure lasting success. | A coordinated, landscape-scale approach involving local stakeholders, landowners, and conservation partners, alongside rigorous monitoring, is essential to achieving meaningful biodiversity gains and safeguarding vulnerable native species for the future.

The control and removal of invasive non-native plant species such as Himalayan balsam and floating pennywort is critical to restoring the health and function of aquatic and riparian ecosystems. These aggressive plants spread rapidly, outcompeting native flora, disrupting habitat structure, and obstructing water flow, which can increase flood risk and escalate management costs. | Priority should be given to early detection and rapid response for Alert species identified by the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) to prevent their establishment and spread. Long-term success depends on a coordinated, catchment-wide effort involving landowners, local communities, and volunteers, alongside initiatives to restore native vegetation and enhance waterbody resilience.

Ponds are vital freshwater habitats that support a high diversity of species, including many that are rare or declining. Protecting and managing existing ponds, especially clusters of ponds in proximity, can significantly enhance ecological connectivity and water quality.

Restoring pond clusters helps to strengthen broader habitat networks, facilitating species movement and genetic exchange, which enhances overall biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Additionally, offline ponds contribute to improved water storage capacity within the landscape, helping to regulate local hydrology and reduce flood risk. They also act as natural filters, capturing sediments and pollutants before they reach larger water bodies, thereby supporting improved water quality throughout the wider catchment area

Promote best practice by improving marginal vegetation, buffering lakes from intensive land management and pollution, and managing water levels and inputs to support biodiversity and water quality.

Restoration efforts will focus on expanding existing heathland and connecting fragmented patches to create larger, more resilient ecosystems that support rare heathland species in Surrey. Habitat creation techniques may include soil preparation, seeding or planting native heath species, and establishing new bare-ground areas to support wildlife. Management such as conservation grazing, rotational cutting and in certain situations managed burning should be applied to maintain open heath conditions and support ecosystem development.

Management of existing heathland should include rotational cutting, conservation grazing, and controlling the expansion of bracken (Pteridium sp.), gorse (Ulex sp.) and encroaching pioneer trees like pine (Pinus spp.) and birch (Betula spp.). These actions will help maintain structural diversity and ecological integrity. Measures should also be taken to minimise wildfire risk and reduce public disturbance through appropriate access management and community engagement.

Restoration of wet heathland will focus on re-establishing natural hydrology and water quality by minimising pollutant inputs and raising water levels through blocking drainage ditches, building bunds, creating shallow ponds and scrapes, and managing vegetation to slow water flow. These actions will reduce wildfire risk, enhance water retention, and improve habitat quality for specialist wet heath species in Surrey.

Enhancing the management of conifer plantations can significantly improve their ecological value. Where appropriate, adopt a Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) system to create a more diverse woodland structure. This involves phased thinning and selective felling to promote a range of tree ages and canopy layers, supporting a wider variety of wildlife. | Avoiding clear felling helps protect soil integrity, reduces erosion and nutrient loss, and slows surface water runoff, which in turn limits sedimentation in nearby rivers. In locations where plantations fragment valuable semi-natural habitats such as heathland, consider widening rides and creating glades to improve habitat connectivity through stepping stones and wildlife corridors.

Ongoing management of existing calcareous grassland will focus on sustaining species-rich swards and preventing scrub or coarse grass encroachment. Conservation grazing using appropriate livestock types/breeds and timing will help maintain structural diversity and suppress dominant species. Supplementary techniques such as targeted mowing, scrub clearance, and soil nutrient management may also be used to support biodiversity.

Restoration efforts will aim to increase the extent and connectivity of calcareous grassland in Surrey, particularly where existing habitats are fragmented or vulnerable. Techniques may include green hay spreading to transfer local seed banks, turf translocation from donor sites and soil inversion or nutrient stripping to reduce fertility and suppress competitive species. Introducing suitable grazing regimes will support long-term management. These interventions help establish the low-nutrient conditions needed for specialist plant communities and invertebrates, including key pollinators.

Effective management of neutral grasslands is vital to preserve their diverse plant communities and associated wildlife. Optimising grazing practices by adjusting grazing intensity, timing, and livestock types/breeds, can prevent dominance by vigorous grasses and the encroachment of scrub. This helps encourage a rich mosaic of vegetation. Complementary practices such as selective mowing and invasive species control further sustain ecological balance and improve habitat quality.

The creation and restoration of neutral grassland in Surrey should focus on extending existing sites and linking fragmented habitats to support greater landscape connectivity and ecological resilience. Restoration techniques may include green hay spreading, plug planting of native species, soil nutrient reduction (e.g., through topsoil stripping), and introducing appropriate grazing or cutting regimes to sustain biodiversity. Establishing a structurally diverse sward benefits a wide range of flora and fauna, including pollinators and ground-nesting birds, while also contributing to ecosystem services such as soil health and carbon storage.

Integrating well-managed scrub into Surrey’s grassland habitats enhances structural diversity, supporting a range of wildlife through the creation of edge habitats and transitional zones. Management should promote a dynamic mosaic of open grassland, scattered shrubs, and dense scrub patches, while preventing dominance by any single species. Techniques may include selective planting or natural regeneration of native shrubs, combined with rotational cutting, light conservation grazing, and targeted removal of invasive species to maintain ecological balance.

Enhancing road, Public Rights of Way and National Trail verges as species-rich grasslands supports pollinators, birds and other wildlife while improving ecological connectivity across urban and rural areas. Reducing mowing frequency allows native wildflowers to complete their life cycles, and collecting grass cuttings helps lower soil fertility to encourage a greater diversity of plant species. Where existing diversity is limited, locally appropriate seed mixes can be sown to enrich the sward. These nature-friendly verges increase biodiversity, contribute to climate resilience and provide attractive, low-maintenance green space for the benefit of both people and wildlife.

Protecting and managing existing urban green spaces is vital to preserving their ecological, social, and recreational benefits. Regular maintenance, habitat enhancement, and active community engagement help sustain biodiversity, improve air quality, and ensure accessible natural areas that promote wellbeing. Thoughtful stewardship guarantees these spaces remain important refuges for wildlife whilst fostering meaningful connections to nature for urban communities.

Parks and school grounds should seek to include spaces for wildflowers, hedgerows and trees, whilst respecting their primary use as accessible green space. | Introducing semi-natural habitats into amenity greenspaces enhances urban biodiversity whilst keeping these areas welcoming and multi-functional for communities. Thoughtful design and management balance ecological benefits with recreational use, fostering vibrant habitats that support wildlife, improve air quality, and provide valuable connections to nature for people of all ages.

Churchyards and cemeteries serve as important urban wildlife refuges and cultural heritage sites. By adopting sensitive, biodiversity-focused management such as reduced mowing regimes, planting native wildflowers, and safeguarding mature trees and boundary features (e.g. historic hedges), habitats can be significantly improved without compromising their social and historical value. This partnership-driven approach fosters stronger community stewardship, supports diverse species, and helps maintain the unique character of these important green spaces.

High quality urban SuDS play a vital role in managing urban surface water sustainably by minimising flood risk and controlling runoff. Effective SuDS techniques including swales, retention ponds, permeable surfaces and infiltration trenches improve water quality by naturally filtering pollutants. They also support groundwater recharge and enhance resilience to extreme weather events. | Integrating SuDS into both new developments and existing urban landscapes not only safeguards aquatic ecosystems but also contributes valuable green infrastructure, providing additional benefits such as biodiversity enhancement and improved amenity spaces for communities.

These linear spaces can be transformed into valuable green corridors by introducing species-rich grassland, native trees and hedgerows, or features like ponds and pollinator planting. Such enhancements support wildlife movement through urban areas, helping to connect fragmented habitats whilst also offering shaded, attractive environments for people. Careful planning and community engagement ensure improvements are compatible with the recreational and practical use of these routes, delivering lasting environmental and social benefits.

Planting trees and hedgerows on road verges can provide a wide range of environmental and community benefits by creating habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife, especially when planted alongside wildflower‐rich vegetation. They also contribute to reducing noise and heat and improve air quality. Any planting should ensuring the verge is wide and safe enough for a tree without obstructing visibility or damaging underground services, planting in a way that protects existing verge biodiversity while avoiding impacts on drivers, infrastructure, and flower‐rich grassland.

Swifts rely on long-standing nesting sites in buildings, often returning to the same location year after year. These nests are increasingly threatened by building renovations and repairs that inadvertently block access or destroy cavities. | Protecting existing nest sites during development or maintenance works, and reinstating access points where feasible, is essential for supporting local swift populations. Early planning and consultation with ecologists or local swift groups will help preserve this iconic migratory bird in urban environments.

Providing artificial nesting and roosting sites for swifts, bats and owls helps to reverse population declines caused by the loss of natural habitat in the built environment. Installing swift bricks, nest cups bat boxes, and owl boxes in new developments, or retrofitting appropriate features on existing buildings offers low- cost, high-impact opportunities to support urban biodiversity. Swift boxes are a universal nest box for a range of other species including starlings. Correct placement, species-appropriate design, and long-term maintenance are essential to ensure these features are well used and contribute to biodiversity.

Preserving or restoring the permeability of driveways and gardens is essential for managing surface water sustainably. Permeable materials such as porous paving, gravel, or reinforced grass systems enable rainwater to infiltrate the ground, reducing flood risk, replenishing groundwater, and supporting healthy soils. | Avoiding impermeable surfaces also creates opportunities for additional planting, enhancing both biodiversity and garden aesthetics.

Green roofs and living walls provide valuable opportunities to enhance urban biodiversity where traditional green spaces are scarce. They provide vital habitats for wildlife, enhance air quality, and help regulate urban temperatures through natural shading and insulation. These features contribute to effective stormwater management, reduce energy demand, and elevate the aesthetic appeal of urban environments. When thoughtfully designed and properly maintained, green roofs and walls play a crucial role in fostering healthier, more sustainable, and climate- resilient cities.

Soil health is fundamental to productive and resilient agricultural systems. Enhancing soil quality strengthens the land’s capacity to withstand environmental changes and supports a thriving farmland ecosystem. Minimum tillage involves reducing soil disturbance during cultivation, which helps preserve soil nutrients, moisture and structure, compared to intensive ploughing. Rotational grazing allows pasture to recover between grazing periods, promoting sustainable vegetation growth and soil vitality.

Agroforestry combines the cultivation of trees with crop production and livestock grazing, creating a more sustainable and diversified agricultural landscape. This approach delivers multiple benefits, including improved soil health, increased biodiversity, greater carbon sequestration, and enhanced economic opportunities for farmers. Trees integrated in agriculture also provide shelter from the elements providing shade for livestock in extreme heat and reducing wind damage to crops.

Low-input grazing plays a key role in nature-friendly farming by minimising reliance on artificial inputs such as synthetic fertilisers. While fertilisers can boost productivity, their overuse depletes soil nutrients and organic matter, leading to long-term soil degradation and increased dependency on external inputs. Low-input grazing systems focus on utilising on-farm resources to sustain pastures, promoting a more self-sufficient and resilient agricultural ecosystem.

IPM emphasises the use of natural predators, crop rotation, habitat management and targeted interventions to reduce pest damage sustainably. By prioritising non- chemical techniques and applying chemical controls only when necessary, IPM helps protect beneficial insects and soil health, reduces environmental contamination, and lowers the risk of pest resistance.

These crops protect the soil surface from erosion caused by wind and rain, enhance soil structure, and increase organic matter content. | Using cover and catch crops helps retain nutrients, improve water infiltration, and support beneficial soil organisms, leading to healthier, more resilient soils. This practice contributes to sustainable land management, safeguarding long-term agricultural productivity and environmental quality.

Establishing broad field margins around arable fields provides essential habitats for a variety of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and small mammals. These margins support floral diversity, improve ecological connectivity between habitats, and contribute to healthier, more resilient farmland ecosystems by offering shelter, food, and breeding sites.

Protecting and enhancing habitats for scarce arable plant species in Surrey is essential to conserve agricultural biodiversity. Targeted measures, such as reducing herbicide use and managing soil conditions, help sustain these rare plants and maintain the unique character of the farmland flora.

Maintaining a diverse network of semi natural features such as hedgerows, wildflower margins, ponds and grasslands within farmland is crucial for supporting a wide range of species. Protecting and enhancing these habitats promotes ecological resilience, facilitates species movement, and contributes significantly to the overall biodiversity and environmental health of agricultural landscapes.

Golf courses are encouraged to remove non-native species, such as rhododendron, from rough areas and replace them with native plants and habitats that reflect the local environment. This approach supports wildlife, improves habitat connectivity,

Implementing measures such as strategically placed hedgerows along the contour lines of slopes helps to intercept surface water, reducing its speed and erosive potential. Enhancing soil permeability through organic matter improvements and adding features that increase surface roughness, further diminishes runoff and sediment movement. These actions protect soil health, improve water quality, and reduce flood risks downstream.

Comprehensive woodland management plans provide a structured approach to sustainable forest stewardship, supporting compliance with the UK Forestry Standard and facilitating access to grants and felling licences. These plans should clearly outline management objectives and demonstrate how a balanced approach to environmental, economic, and social outcomes will be achieved. Effective plans include provisions for the protection of mature trees, promote species and age diversity through natural regeneration or planting, and support long-term woodland resilience.

Sustainable woodland management depends on long-term economic viability. Beyond timber, woodlands can provide a wide range of valuable products and services, including materials for traditional crafts, renewable energy, and nature restoration activities such as hedge laying. Supporting and growing local markets for these products helps ensure that woodlands are actively and responsibly managed. Initiatives like Surrey Hills Enterprises and the Surrey Hills Wood Fair promote local businesses and raise awareness of the value, and potential, of sustainably sourced woodland goods.

Developing coordinated, landscape-scale deer management plans is essential to address the growing ecological and economic impacts of deer populations. Plans should be informed by robust population and species distribution data, enabling effective monitoring and impact assessment across habitats. A strategic approach helps guide sustainable culling levels, encourages the recruitment and training of new licensed stalkers, and facilitates collaboration between landowners and existing deer managers. Such coordination enhances the effectiveness of woodland restoration, promotes biodiversity, and ensures deer management aligns with broader conservation and land-use objectives.

Developing a local supply chain for ethically sourced wild venison supports sustainable deer management by creating economic incentives for population control. Promoting education around the environmental and health benefits of wild venison can increase consumer demand and awareness, helping to make deer management a viable and responsible practice. Strengthening this market encourages collaboration between hunters, processors, retailers, and consumers, fostering a circular economy that benefits wildlife conservation, rural livelihoods, and local communities.

Enhancing the accuracy and completeness of data on ancient, veteran, and notable trees is essential for their effective protection and management. Comprehensive mapping and recording supports informed decision-making, helps prioritise conservation efforts and enables better monitoring of tree health and threats. Collaboration with landowners, local communities and specialist organisations will ensure that valuable trees are identified and safeguarded for future generations.

Building capacity in traditional hedgerow management is vital for maintaining healthy and diverse hedgerow habitats. Expanding this skilled workforce supports long-term ecological benefits, improves landscape connectivity, and fosters community engagement in countryside stewardship.

Understanding the location and condition of historic hedgerows is essential for their protection and restoration. By surveying and mapping these valuable features, as well as identifying lost hedgerows, we can better prioritise conservation efforts and restore ecological connectivity across the landscape. This work helps preserve cultural heritage, supports biodiversity, and informs future land management decisions

Community-led monitoring offers vital data that complements official efforts, enhancing understanding of pressures affecting the catchment. Providing these groups with training, equipment, and ongoing coordination empowers citizen scientists to play an active role in protecting and improving river health, fostering greater community engagement and stewardship of local waterways

Many of these ecologically important habitats remain under-recorded or overlooked. Improving our understanding and visibility of their locations is essential to safeguard their unique biodiversity, guide informed decision-making, and support effective conservation and management efforts.

By connecting landowners with these programmes, they can adopt best practices that reduce pollution, improve water quality, and enhance the health of local waterways. Facilitating access to advice, funding, and resources helps promote sustainable land management that benefits both agriculture and the wider catchment environment.

These groups will play a crucial role in coordinating activities, addressing conflicts, and promoting coexistence between beavers, landowners, and local communities. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, management groups help maximise the ecological benefits of beaver reintroduction while minimising potential impacts on agriculture and infrastructure. A well-organised management strategy supports sustainable populations and contributes to healthy, resilient wetland ecosystems.

Accurate, up-to-date data on the presence and spread of invasive species is essential for effective control. Enhancing local monitoring and encouraging public reporting will support early detection and rapid response.

Local Action Groups are vital for coordinating on-the-ground efforts to manage invasive species. Providing support and resources to these groups will increase capacity for effective and sustained control.

Public education on the risks posed by invasive plants in gardens and the horticultural trade can help prevent new introductions. Promoting responsible planting choices is key to reducing long-term ecological harm.

Improved mapping and condition assessments of existing priority ponds will support targeted conservation efforts and ensure these habitats continue to deliver biodiversity and ecosystem service benefits.

A dedicated land manager network for heathland sites across Surrey will facilitate knowledge exchange, training, and coordinated action. This group will champion effective restoration and management techniques, enabling consistency and adaptive approaches across sites. It will also strengthen collaboration between stakeholders, supporting long-term stewardship and enhancing the resilience of Surrey's heathland landscapes.

Accurate identification and assessment of species-rich grasslands are essential for safeguarding their ecological value. Sites that meet key indicators such as high plant diversity and evidence of minimal historical disturbance should be located, evaluated, and considered for inclusion in the Old Grasslands Inventory. Enhanced data will enable more targeted conservation efforts, inform land management priorities, and help protect species-rich grasslands from future loss or degradation.

Encouraging wildlife-friendly gardening helps transform urban and suburban spaces into valuable habitats that support a wide range of species. Planting native and non-invasive ornamental plants with year-round nectar sources provides essential food for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Creating hedgehog holes in fences improves connectivity, allowing these mammals to move safely between gardens. Leaving sections of grass and scrub to grow naturally offers shelter and nesting sites. Small ponds and water features supply vital drinking and breeding resources for amphibians and insects. Together, these simple steps contribute to healthier, more resilient urban ecosystems and foster stronger connections between people and nature.

Railway sidings provide many opportunities for enhancing ecological connectivity across urban and rural areas. By managing these areas to support native plants and wildlife, sidings can function as crucial green corridors that link fragmented habitats and facilitate the movement of species. Successful implementation requires close collaboration with railway operators to ensure that conservation objectives align with operational requirements, creating win-win solutions for both nature and infrastructure

Transport infrastructure often creates significant barriers to wildlife movement, fragmenting habitats and limiting access to essential resources. Identifying locations where these barriers most severely impact ecological connectivity is crucial for prioritising the installation of strategic wildlife crossings like green bridges or wildlife culverts / tunnels. These structures restore habitat links by allowing safe passage over/under busy routes, supporting biodiversity and reducing wildlife collisions. Careful site selection and design, informed by ecological data and landscape context, will maximise the benefits of such interventions for both wildlife and local communities.

Empowering local communities to develop and implement biodiversity plans fosters a proactive approach to conserving and enhancing natural habitats. These plans establish clear priorities and practical actions to protect key species and ecosystems whilst guiding sustainable development. By promoting inclusive community engagement, these strategies build environmental stewardship, increase awareness, and integrate biodiversity considerations into local planning processes.

Blue Heart Verges serve as important havens for native wildflowers and pollinators within urban landscapes, enhancing biodiversity and ecological connectivity. Facilitating community involvement fosters a strong sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring the long-term success of these habitats. Careful design and management in line with safety guidelines ensures that visibility is maintained and road users are protected, whilst still maximising the ecological benefits of Blue Heart Verges. This collaborative effort helps create vibrant, sustainable green corridors that enrich local environments and improve quality of life

Encouraging public involvement in citizen science initiatives enables communities to contribute meaningful data on local biodiversity, air and water quality, and other environmental factors. This collective effort enhances scientific knowledge, informs evidence-based conservation strategies, and fosters a deeper connection between people and their natural surroundings. Supporting accessible and inclusive citizen science projects cultivates an engaged and informed community committed to safeguarding and improving the local environment for current and future generations.

Partnering with schools to deliver engaging nature-based projects helps nurture a lasting connection between young people and the natural world. Encouraging the adoption of the Eco-Schools accreditation supports schools in embedding sustainability and environmental stewardship into everyday learning and school life, allowing students to develop a deep appreciation for biodiversity and conservation. This early engagement empowers future generations to become proactive custodians of the environment, fostering healthier, greener communities for the future.