Hindhead Tunnel Opens, A3 Road Closed, Rewilding
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- Hindhead Tunnel opened July 2011, removing the A3 bottleneck and enabling closure of the old road.
- National Trust restored the former road’s natural contours, replanting native species and reconnecting habitats under a long‑term Countryside Stewardship agreement.
- Woodlark and nightjar began breeding on the restored heath, with nightjars first heard August 2011 – a first for that area.
- Hindhead village saw nitrogen‑dioxide levels fall below legal limits within two years, leading to the removal of its Air Quality Management Area designation in 2015.
Why it matters: Local wildlife gains restored habitats and breeding grounds, while Hindhead residents enjoy cleaner air after NO₂ levels fell below legal limits, eliminating the Air Quality Management Area designation and boosting community health.
