| Welcome to The Hurtwood |
A Unique and Beautiful World of Heath and Forest in the Heart of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural BeautyUnique, in its partnership between the landowners - principally the Lords of the Manor of Shere, Albury and Ockley – and the Friends of the Hurtwood, originally formed in 1926 and later given Charity status in the 60s. The Friends of the Hurtwood secure the funding and support required to maintain this beautiful area for the benefit of the public. More than 90 years ago, Reggie Bray, Lord of the Manor of Shere, granted the public a ‘right to roam’ with ‘open access for air and exercise’ on the Hurtwood – one of the first estates in England to do so. This set a pioneering example of a landowner welcoming the public on to his land and finding a way of working with the public that would benefit both the land and the people. Open access is available to bird watchers, dog walkers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and anyone who enjoys the fresh air! Beautiful, as its jewels are Holmbury Hill and Pitch Hill, two magnificent greensand peaks, which with the Winterfold ridge, offer stunning views over the Weald to the South Downs. And there are also magical pine woods and heather heaths, ponds and glades, wildlife and wilderness.
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