Guildford is surrounded by the beautiful rolling Surrey Hills. In fact it was the importance of this spot where the river Wey cut through the hills that gave birth to Guildford. They survived largely due to a lack of natural resources that fueled the industrial revolution in other parts of the country. Today this area of natural beauty is protected from London’s expansion. Over 80% of Guildford Borough is in the protected Green Belt that encircles London but threats to it from housing shortages are a constant topic in local politics.