The Surrey Hills could be made significantly larger as Natural England considers expanding the borders of the county’s “iconic and beautiful” landscape.

Each year millions of people are drawn to Surrey’s “views and beauty” as they search out rare habitats and ancient woodlands.

A consultation has been launched on expanding the Surrey Hills, with up to 27 new areas brought under the label that could result in the landscape being made up to 30 per cent larger.

The figure includes the potential 13 “minor areas” that could be removed from the protection afforded by the designation.

Nature England area deputy director Allison Potts said: “If the proposed areas are added to the Surrey Hills National Landscape. This could bring many benefits including conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage, as well as the views and beauty of the area.

“It will give improved access to nature for the benefit of people’s health and wellbeing whilst boosting economic growth and local tourism and safeguard a nationally important landscape for future generations.”

The Surrey Hills stretches across the county and includes the chalk slopes of the North Downs from Farnham at its furthermost western point to Oxted in the east. Its southern boundary stretches to the densely wooded Greensand Hills around Haslemere.   

Borough and district councils began designating areas bordering the Surrey Hills as Areas of Great Landscape Value in recognition of their value at a county level. 

Natural England, after a formal request by the Surrey Hills National Landscape Board, will consider whether these and others should be included. If successful it would still require approval from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 

Areas under consideration include Wey Valley, Hogs Back, Cranleigh Waters, Hatchlands and East Clandon. As well as Headley Hill, Limpsfield, Betchworth Hills and Mole Valley.