Surrey Hills Society

Who we are

The Surrey Hills Society is an independent charity promoting the positive enjoyment and care of the Surrey Hills National Landscape for those who live, work in, or visit the area. The Society encourages people to explore and learn about the special qualities and distinctiveness of the area. 

Our Society projects inspire people of all ages, abilities and ethnicities to discover and enjoy the beauty of the Surrey Hills National Landscape. Ranging from farm visits, heritage activities, school engagement and conservation experiences our projects are tailored to let a wider range of people experience health and wellbeing benefits, as well as gain confidence and skills from being in the magical Surrey Hills.

Our culture and values

At its heart, the Society has a strong membership organisation, which provides a vehicle for increasing the knowledge and enjoyment of the area by our members. Our member activities are mostly organised by volunteers.

In addition we have a small team of paid staff, who carry out a very wide range of conservation activities iin the National Landscape.  Our team also deliver a number of project based activities including Growing Togehter, a project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which encourages those with disabilities and of minority ethnicity to discover the countryside, and our East Surrey Care Farm Project that provides opportunities for those with mental health issues to visit working farms.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Surrey Hills Society is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation and activities. We recognise and value the diversity of our members, volunteers, partners and the wider community we serve.

Principles:

- We will not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

- We will provide equal opportunities for all individuals to engage with and participate in the Society's events, volunteering, membership and other initiatives wherever it is practicable to do so. As some of our activities involve physical activity and difficult terrain it may not be possible to make all our activities accessible to everyone but we will always do our best to assist wherever we can.  

- We will ensure our communications, marketing and programming are accessible and inclusive, catering to people with diverse backgrounds, abilities and needs.

- We will actively work to remove barriers that may prevent underrepresented groups from accessing or engaging with the Surrey Hills Society.

- We will promote diversity within our leadership, staff and volunteer base, drawing on a range of perspectives and experiences.

- We will regularly review our policies and practices to identify and address any inequities or biases.