Issued by the Countryside Agency's Landscape, Access and Recreation division

Surrey Lambs and Quarry in the Pink

The Countryside Agency and English Nature are aware of the plans by artist Lee Simmons to colour a flock of sheep at Betchworth Quarry near Dorking in Surrey in bright red, blue and yellow powder paints and to colour the quarry's chalk cliff pink.

The agencies are conscious that the artistic event, funded by the Arts Council England South East, Surrey County Arts and Awards for All, will draw attention to landscape issues and create a wider awareness of rural aspects in the area. They hope to see positive public responses to the artistic works and to the ideas behind the project.

The agencies note that Betchworth Quarry is within the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation. Part of the North Downs, this area is special because of the flower rich chalk grassland, which runs along the top of the quarry. It is home to wild flowers such as horseshoe vetch (a plant needed for the chalkhill blue butterfly) and several types of orchids.

English Nature confirms that they were consulted over the project and that, after surveys were carried out, changes were made to the proposals to ensure that no damage or disturbance would be inflicted on the local wildlife. English Nature believes that no significant damage will be caused by the exercise.

The artist has agreed with English Nature that the SSSI/SAC grassland above the cliff face will not be trampled, and that the dusting process will be minimised around plants growing on the cliff face.

The Natural England partners point out that the project should draw the attention of local people to the natural environment around them and to local landscape issues. They note that natural environments encourage people to exercise and simply being in natural surroundings can improve general wellbeing.

Alan Law/Duncan Mackay says: "Two of the objectives for Natural England will be to increase the opportunities for a greater number and diversity of people to experience and enjoy nature as part of their daily lives and to improve places for people to enjoy the natural environment.

We want to ensure that people of all ages and from all walks of life take every opportunity to enjoy and benefit from outdoor activities. We want to ensure everyone is aware of what the outdoors can offer them and give people every opportunity to enjoy it," he says.

Following Royal Assent for the Natural England and Rural Communities Act this spring, from the beginning of October a new organisation, Natural England, will have the responsibility for conserving, enhancing and managing the natural environment, contributing to sustainable development. Natural England will bring together and build on the strengths of the Rural Development Service, English Nature and the Landscape, Access and Recreation Division of the Countryside Agency. Natural England will engage, listen and encourage people across all areas, helping them enjoy the natural environment. Creating Natural England will mean that landscape and nature conservation and enhancement, access and public enjoyment of the natural environment will be considered together.