Regeneration in London’s green belt: Sustainability at the Heart of Surf London
One of the most surprising things about the Surf London location is its tranquillity. Despite being located within the M25, the sense of space, nature and calm is something that can only truly be appreciated when standing on the site itself. As custodians of 104 acres of London green belt land, we recognise a responsibility that goes beyond preservation. Our ambition is to leave the site in a better environmental condition than we found it.
The land has already undergone significant transformation over the last century. Historically, it was home to sewage and creosote works before being excavated for sand and gravel extraction. Following the infilling of the pits during the 1960s, the site was redeveloped as a golf course in the 1970s. Today, with the necessary permissions and the waste recovery permit in place, we are able to undertake the earthworks required to bring Surf London to life. More importantly, this marks the beginning of a long-term programme of environmental regeneration.
Central to this commitment is our Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan, which has been designed to create a diverse and resilient landscape that supports both biodiversity and recreational use. The plan will establish a connected mosaic of grassland, scrub and woodland habitats, alongside green infrastructure that enables wildlife to thrive across the site. Biodiversity enhancements will be actively monitored and maintained over the long term, ensuring a measurable improvement in ecological value compared to the site's current baseline.
The impact of this work will be tangible. Surf London will deliver a net gain of almost 1,000 trees across the site, helping to strengthen habitats and enhance the overall landscape. New ecological corridors will also be created, allowing resident species to move more freely and safely throughout the parkland.
Environmental sustainability also extends to the way the development itself is designed and operated. The proposed buildings are expected to achieve at least a 35% reduction in carbon emissions beyond current Building Regulations standards. Renewable energy technologies, including air source heat pumps, solar thermal systems and photovoltaic panels, will play a significant role in reducing operational emissions. These measures are complemented by passive design features such as enhanced insulation, shading elements and low solar heat-gain materials, all of which improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term energy demand.
Finally, we are investing in sustainable travel infrastructure to encourage visitors and employees to choose alternatives to private car use. This includes £70,000 of highway improvements, upgrades to local bus stops and engagement with dockless bike providers to improve access to active travel options.
For us, sustainability is not a standalone initiative; it is a core principle that shapes how Surf London is designed, built and operated. By restoring habitats, reducing carbon emissions and encouraging more sustainable travel choices, we aim to create a destination that delivers lasting environmental benefits alongside world-class experiences.