Fifteen years ago, the Hindhead Tunnel opened beneath the A3, transforming the journey through the Surrey Hills. Today, behind the scenes, a dedicated team of National Highways control room operators keeps a watchful eye on the tunnel from their discreet base beside the road, helping traffic flow and motorists stay safe.

But the tunnel’s impact reaches far beyond the road. For Dominic Holyoak, a break from the control room can mean stepping outside and enjoying a little taste of nature – while also remembering what the landscape was like before the tunnel opened.

And it’s not just people who have benefited. Jo Gray heads above ground to meet Matt Cusack, Lead Ranger for the National Trust, who shares some of the ways nature has flourished since the tunnel opened to traffic.

Image credit: Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl National Trust Images Chris Lacey

Fifteen years ago, the Hindhead Tunnel opened beneath the A3, transforming the journey through the Surrey Hills. Today, behind the scenes, a dedicated team of National Highways control room operators keeps a watchful eye on the tunnel from their discreet base beside the road, helping traffic flow and motorists stay safe.
But the tunnel&rsquo;s impact reaches far beyond the road. For Dominic Holyoak, a break from the control room can mean stepping outside and enjoying a little taste of nature &ndash; while also remembering what the landscape was like before the tunnel opened.
And it&rsquo;s not just people who have benefited. Jo Gray heads above ground to meet Matt Cusack, Lead Ranger for the National Trust, who shares some of the ways nature has flourished since the tunnel opened to traffic.
Image credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://nationalhighways-newsroom.prgloo.com/resources/1333088-hindhead-commons-and-the-devil-s-punch-bowl-national-trust-images-chris-lacey">Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl National Trust Images Chris Lacey</a>

Local stories, local voices and local information from Petersfield.

We cover community news, culture, nature, history, events and entertainment in the South Downs market town of Petersfield in Hampshire, UK.

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Shine Radio is the radio station made by you. Share your stories or join our volunteer team. Find out more at https://shineradio.uk, email team@shineradio.uk or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.

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Local stories, local voices and local information from Petersfield.
We cover community news, culture, nature, history, events and entertainment in the South Downs market town of Petersfield in Hampshire, UK.
This feed includes all our on-demand audio. Find our more specific feeds by searching "Petersfield" on your  favourite podcast app.
Shine Radio is the radio station made by you. Share your stories or join our volunteer team. Find out more at <a href="https://shineradio.uk">https://shineradio.uk</a>, email <a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.
You make it shine.

Voices and stories from Petersfield in Hampshire, UK