This spring, Fellows are invited to visit Hill Crest Farm, during it’s rewilding process. Enjoy spectacular hillside views and learn about the journey so far: the harsh realities and challenges, the progress made and what’s to come
Last year, RSA Fellow Patrick McIntosh purchased a traditional 20-acre farm in the Surrey Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty with the most extraordinary and glorious views across Surrey and Sussex.
Working with local volunteers, he set about removing redundant buildings, concrete and returning the land to environments which sustain insects, capture carbon and become a net energy generator. The group have been planting trees, installing ground source heat pumps and solar power, and recreating pond streams to revive aquatic wildlife. And as the work progresses, they’re constantly learning about the practicalities and realities of this challenging rewilding process.
This May, join us to visit Hill Crest Farm as it takes shape! Learn about the journey so far: progress made, lessons learned and the true cost in time, money and carbon that is required to move from where we are to where we must get to.
Important event information:
There will be two opportunities to visit the farm; Wednesday 18 May between 15:00-19:00 BST or Thursday 19 May between15:00-19:00 BST. Please book your preferred date.
Tours of the farm will be staggered, with the first taking place at 15:30 BST and the second at 16:40 BST. There is no need to attend for the full 4 hours, however there will be refreshments and videos showing in the barn before and after tours so please feel free to stay and mingle with other Fellows as you wish.
The event is open to Fellows and non-Fellows. It is free to attend but to ensure group safety and conservation of the area, numbers are limited. Please check your route before booking (and see travel guidance below).
Non-alcoholic and vegan refreshments will be provided on the day.
Attendees are encouraged to wear practical clothing and bring wellington boots/waterproof walking shoes. Site pathways are accessible, but regardless, if you have any accessibility needs or requirements, please let us know in advance at networks@rsa.org.uk.
Location: Hill Crest Farm, Scotts Hill, Outwood, RH1 5PR
Travel guidance: North of Small field, east of Horley, west of Ling field, South of Bletchingley in the South East of Surrey.
Outwood is predominantly surrounded by the National Trust Harewoods Estate, with one of the countries oldest working windmills in its centre (Outwood windmill, just 7 mins walk from the farm).
Nearest train stations: Godstone, Salfords, Horley, Redhill
Accessible bus routes: 315, 610
If you’re planning to travel by public transport, please let us know via networks@rsa.org.uk. Depending on numbers and routes we may arrange a mini-bus in the evening from the farm to Salfords train station, and/or another nearby.
Taking part in RSA in-person events
We've been looking forward to finally being able to meet together in person. But of course recognise it is important for us to stay cautious and make the environment safe for everyone.
We aim to have assurances from all venues that they will have basic COVID-safety processes in place.
We’re asking all attendees of events to be respectful of personal space, to be mindful of others preferences in regards to social distancing and to respect those that are wearing face coverings.
To participate in the event, you will need to register for a ticket so we can make sure we have an up-to-date list of those who plan on attending. This is for capacity purposes.
We request that all attendees evaluate their own health and that of those they’re in close contact with. We encourage all attendees that are sick or showing symptoms of illness to stay home and to cancel your Eventbrite ticket if you are no longer able to join the event.
Given the ever-changing nature of the pandemic, please always check your latest national Government guidance in addition to following our baseline guidance enclosed here. If guidelines do change, the event may be cancelled at short notice.
If you have any questions, or to let us know of any access requirements or reasonable adjustments you require, please email: networks@rsa.org.uk