As of November 2023, the land previously known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) became known as National Landscapes. This reflected the change of status, affording the new National Landscapes similar protection to those of National Parks. This gave Rob Fairbanks, (Director for the Surrey Hills National Landscape), motivation to refresh the old tired AONB boundary markers with something new.
Old AONB Boundary Marker
Rob and I started chatting about the look and feel, use of materials and staying recognisably Surrey Hills. We thought portrait markers would fit onto narrow roadside verges better than landscape. We designed a small sign for quiet lanes and a larger one for trunk-roads. The Walter Bailey seedhead art was included as it has been recognisable as the Surrey Hills logo for over twenty years. We couldn’t decide whether the logo looked better cut out, or in stainless steel to match the letters, so we made one of each for consultation – see below.
Both Rob and I love corten steel for its durability and aesthetics. Whilst it’s clearly a manufactured material, when it oxidises it produces an array of russet colours from orange to dark brown. In the same way an autumnal leaf might be many shades of golden browns, the corten steel carries many colours and textures over its surface. Nothing in nature is an homogenised colour. We admired and were inspired by the South Downs National Park for their use of this material for their boundary markers.
Canvassing Public Opinion
We presented our draft signage at the 2024 Surrey Hills Symposium held at Guildford University where it was unveiled by Saj Hussain, Chairman of Surrey County Council and Cllr Sallie Barker, Mayor of Guildford. The signs were presented to the audience as an ‘Aunt Sally’ to inspire constructive criticism. To our amazement, everyone we spoke to, or filled in the comment cards, loved the boundary signs with the majority preferring the logo cut out.
Engagement
Surrey Youth Opportunities Team visited JK Forges to help attach some letters. Jack even had them welding after some brief tuition.
We took the signs to the Surrey Hills Wood Fair, where visitors were offered an opportunity to bolt-on some letters and express their views about where they should be located.
The BBC covered the Chairman of Surrey County Council, Tim Hall, unveiling the first one we dug in, on the A25 between Dorking and Westcott.
To date, we have dug-in forty signs along the boundary of the Surrey Hills National Landscape, raising the profile of this very special place. It’s very rewarding to have been part of this project from concept to implementation. Special thanks goes to Rob Fairbanks for leading on this lasting legacy.
12 comments on Surrey Hills National Landscape Boundary Signage
Love the corten steel as it seems it can mirror the colours in the landscape like no painted sign could. So many signs feels like a genuine legacy. Congrats !
Aw, thank you. I appreciate those words. 🙂
Such a well considered project!
Thank you so much 🙂
Great project. Great design. Great choice of materials. Well done to all involved.
Thanks Collette. I’m thrilled you like them.
Simple and stunning. I love the russet colouring and the durability connotations of the corten steel. Its great driving along and seeing them, knowing what went into the thinking behind them. I can’t imagine the amount of time that must have been spent getting them just right, matching the longevity with artistry and maintaining the previous markers look. Awesome work. Well done.
Thank you so much. So kind of you to say so.
These new boundary signs look fantastic. I spotted the one at Reigate Heath recently and it’s a really lovely addition. The corten steel works beautifully in the landscape and feels very much in keeping with the character of the Surrey Hills.
It’s also a great reminder that the Surrey Hills National Landscape boundary has recently expanded, which is wonderful to see recognised so visibly. I can only imagine how much work goes on behind the scenes to design, produce and install something like this across the area, so huge credit to everyone involved. A really thoughtful and well-executed project.
Aw, thanks Rachel. Such kind comments. I’m so glad you like them. Hope to see you soon. Andy
We love the sign on Beech Avenue in Effingham. This is a very popular cycling route so is appreciated at a slower speed by many other road users!
Aw, thanks Sally. I’m thrilled you love it. That one was a challenge to get in without having my truck impede traffic on the narrow lane. Especially during the school-run.