Yew Tree Project and Newlands Corner Boardwalk

Surrey Coalition of Disabled People have been working with Surrey Hills National Landscape to make the countryside in Surrey more accessible.

We have been working with Surrey Hill National Landscape on many different sites. This has involved visiting the National Landscape with our members to show them how people with different disabilities can access the countryside. Our visually impaired, hard of hearing and physically disabled members have all been working with the Surrey Hill National Landscape staff.

We are now starting to see the impact of our work. We were very excited to be invited to the opening of the Yew Tree Project and Newlands Corner Boardwalk at the end of November, a project we have been involved with since Autumn 2022.

The rarity of the ancient yew trees at Newland’s Corner makes it one of the most important sites for these precious trees in the whole country. Many of the trees have stood on this site for over a thousand years and they play a vital role in the local ecosystem as well as being enjoyed by many visitors every year.  

Up until very recently the yew trees weren’t accessible to all. Now with the help of our members they are! There is a new pathway to the yew trees and a boardwalk has been built around the yew trees so all can view, touch and enjoy the trees! (See the photo). On the way down to the boardwalk benches have been installed allowing people to take a breather and sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Unfortunately, the path between the new path and the boardwalk hasn’t been made accessible yet. However, we’re campaigning for this to be resurfaced.

And that’s not all…In addition, a new piece of artwork was unveiled! A beautiful piece of yew tree wood, with a drawing of a yew tree burnt into the wood.