New facilities rejuvenate iconic countryside site

September saw the official launch of the Newlands Corner Discovery Centre and visitor improvements by the Chair of Surrey County Council, Helyn Clack. Despite the inclement weather, dignitaries, residents, and local school children gathered to find out more and experience the new-look facilities at this much-loved countryside site for themselves.

Over the past two years Surrey County Council has been working in partnership with the Albury Estate, and local partners to improve the facilities and make sure that residents and visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy spending time at this much-loved site in Surrey’s countryside. 

Chair of Surrey County Council, Cllr Helyn Clack, said: “It is so important that the countryside is available to all and the new facilities at Newlands Corner provide something for everyone. I would like to acknowledge the great amount of work that volunteers do at Newlands Corner and across Surrey’s countryside estate, from conservation work parties to bird feeding and more, their valuable efforts make such a difference to our work”.

Improvements have included updating and renaming the existing Visitor Centre to a Discovery Centre with interactive screens and eye-catching interpretation, providing information about Surrey’s countryside in general as well as the local wildlife.

A new natural play area repurposing sustainable wood from across Surrey’s countryside estate has been installed behind the Centre providing the opportunity for children and adults to engage with the local environment as well as the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of being outdoors.

Other improvements include extensive works to refurbish and upgrade the toilet block; a new water fountain installed, two new self-guided walking trails (the Deer & the Dormouse); a wonderful new wildlife garden with bug hotel and hibernaculum and resurfacing works across the car park.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Marisa Heath, said: “It is wonderful to see this much-loved site rejuvenated. The natural play area will be a huge asset and provides a wonderful opportunity for everyone but especially young people to engage with Surrey’s countryside helping to foster a long-term appreciation for our green spaces to protect them into the future.” 

For further information on Newlands Corner please visit Newlands Corner visitor information.