Haslemere Society

updated 12 May 2026

The Haslemere Society exists to protect and enhance Haslemere, nearby villages and the surrounding countryside, by encouraging the interest and support of residents and members.

The Society has a distinguished pedigree with its origins going back to 1884 when Sir Robert Hunter (one of the three co-founders of the National Trust) set up the Haslemere Branch of the Commons Preservation Society, which eventually became the Haslemere Society. The re-introduced Blue Plaque scheme goes from strength to strength. Haslemere is a historic town of great charm. Its setting in wonderful countryside in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its good transport links make it a much sought after place in which to live. The town is vibrant and cherished and the Society does not resist change, but seeks high standards of appropriate development and the careful planning of amenities and facilities, which are as much a concern for the Society as is conservation.

The Haslemere Society has a substantial membership whose influence is widely respected. The committee appreciates its active involvement and support.
New members are very welcome. You can help to shape Haslemere's future by joining the Society.

The Next SOCIETY EVENTS in 2026

To see all events this year Click to "UPCOMING EVENTS"

For a review of our sucessful previous events Click onto "PAST EVENTS"

HASLEMERE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

The Haslemere Society Newsletter is open to all members of the public.
Please take a copy

Current version: Spring 2026
See All Newsletters

News Items and key events coming up in 2026

1. Sulbrede Priory

Following the Visit to Sulbrede Priory, Anyone who missed the event can attend one of the open days

Sunday 24th May & Monday 25 May
Sunday 30th August & Monday 31 August

2. Society Blue Palque for Sir John Hutchinson makes front Page of Haslemere Herald !

Next Event :
3. Society Summer Party Thursday 18th June; 6:30-8:30pm
Ticketed. £20 per ticket to include wine and canapes
Get your tickets through Eventbrite here

This will be held at Stepping Stones School at Undershaw. There will be an opportunity to tour this historic house, the home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,and we are hoping for a short performance from some of the pupils to punctuate an evening of fine company, wine and canapes.

Haslemere Society AGM - Held on 13 Nov 2025

AGM Minutes (Approved)

Please find the AGM Minutes for Nov 2025 Here

Article: Haslemere Tree Wardens working with Haslemere Society
The five members of the Haslemere Tree Wardens are part of the Surrey Tree Warden group. To hold the Tree Warden Badge training is required from learning tree biology to legal constraints of the position. To adhere to the role, Tree Wardens cannot enter private land, provide any formal advice or tree surgery and definitely not resolve any disputes. A warden can however offer advice and directions to the correct statutory body to assist the tree, or the person.
Haslemere is unique with 48% of the designated Haslemere area as woodland which compares to around 10% nationally and 22% in Surrey. Of this 33% (ie 761 ha) is broadleaf woodland and 15% (346 ha) is coniferous. About 85 ha (8% of the HNP area) is listed on Natural England's Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI).
Trees have a hidden asset of providing Public Wellbeing, economical and social benefits by their very presence, providing they are in the right place.

The Haslemere Tree Wardens can offer service to say the Town Council for auditing & monitoring local trees, noting location, species and importantly health, not just stress but important diseases like Ash Dieback. With ancient woodland and a town with a long history it also has many classified trees which are registered on the Woodland Trust website.

It is important that “the right tree is in the right place”, both for its size, water access, light and impact it will have on the infrastructure, such as roots. Planting a sapling today in the wrong place may cause future issues interrupting adjacent buildings and infrastructure. Tree works next to established trees must follow the recognised British Standard (BS 5837) to protect the unseen roots so the tree wardens can offer advice based on the code of practice. The same applies to overhanging branches, ownership and rights to prune.

However, a Tree Warden cannot intervene in disputes or take any action, merely point people in the right direction.
The local Tree Wardens can be contacted through the STW network

References
Woodland Trust API Tree map https://ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk/
Waverley Planning [email protected]
STW https://www.surreytreewardens.org.uk/members/haslemere/