Surrey Hills AONB facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Surrey Hills |
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Location of the Surrey Hills AONB in the UK
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| Location | Surrey, England |
| Area | 422 km2 (163 sq mi) |
| Website | Surrey Hills AONB |
The Surrey Hills is a beautiful natural area in Surrey, England. It covers about 422 square kilometers (163 square miles). This area is so special that it's called an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). An AONB is a place protected for its amazing landscapes and wildlife. The Surrey Hills AONB was officially recognized in 1958. It is next to the Kent Downs AONB to the east. To the southwest, it touches the South Downs National Park.
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Exploring the Surrey Hills
The Surrey Hills AONB includes parts of two main hill ranges. These are the North Downs and the Greensand Ridge. Together, they make up about a quarter of all the land in Surrey.
Highest Points and Landscapes
The tallest point in the Surrey Hills AONB is Leith Hill. It is near Coldharbour and stands 294 meters (965 feet) above sea level. Leith Hill is part of the Greensand Ridge. This ridge stretches across the AONB from west to east. It is the second highest point in all of southeast England.
Geology and Nature
The northern hills are mostly made of chalk. The southern hills are mostly greensand. These two types of hills are separated by an area called the Vale of Holmesdale. This valley continues into Kent.
These different types of ground create special homes for many rare plants and insects. Parts of the Surrey Hills are looked after by the National Trust. This includes places like Ranmore Common, Leith Hill, and Box Hill.
Blackheath Common is also a part of this beautiful area.
Special Protections
The Surrey Hills AONB has other important protections.
- Chiddingfold Forest is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a very important place for wildlife and geology.
- The AONB is surrounded by an "Area of Great Landscape Value." This extra protected zone covers another 8% of Surrey.
Walking and Trails
The Surrey Hills area is perfect for walking and exploring. There are three long-distance walking paths that go through it:
- The North Downs Way
- The Greensand Way
- The Pilgrims' Way
These paths let you discover the beautiful landscapes and enjoy nature.
Images for kids
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Residential roads in Dorking, bordering vineyards on the side of the North Downs
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Location of the Surrey Hills AONB in the UK
