Frensham Common

Frensham Common covers roughly 1,000 acres (400 hectares) of attractive countryside, lying midway between Farnham and Hindhead on either side of the A287.

Frensham Common is owned by the National Trust, but most of the land is managed by Waverley Borough Council.

The Common is made up of a large area of heathland, together with some coniferous and mixed woodland, and two large ponds, known as Frensham Great and Little Ponds, which were built in the Middle Ages to provide fish (especially carp) for the Bishop of Winchester's estate.

Frensham pond may be closed for bathing

Bathers are advised the Pond may be shut due to the presence of excess blue green algae. To find out the current position, please look at the latest water quality report.

Felling for conservation at The Flashes

Felling for conservation purposes has been taking place on part of The Flashes - since December 2010.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but, to ensure your continued safe enjoyment of the Common, please follow the instructions of the contractors and Site Ranger. For further details, please see  Future management - 2010 onwards.

Facilities at Frensham Common

• car parks at both ponds (charges may apply)
• refreshments and toilets (including wheelchair accessible facilities) at Frensham Great Pond. Check out the latest water quality report and safety rules.
• Download our Explore Frensham Common leaflet to help you find your way around
  

Car park at Frensham Common

Address of main car park: Bacon Lane, Churt, Surrey (SU 843403)

• Summer closing times: 1 March-30 September - the car park will close at 9pm
• Winter closing times: 1 October-28 February - the car park will close at 7pm

Car park charges

Parking is free during the week.  However, you may need to pay on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays (from Easter Good Friday to end September).

• all vehicles - £3
• Blue Badge holders - no charge
• National Trust members (please show your card or current 2013 purple vehicle sticker) - no charge

Getting to Frensham Common by bus

Public Transport: Stagecoach bus route no 19 from Farnham Station to Haslemere Station stopping at Frensham Pond Lane pillar box (approximately hourly service). NB: Does not run Sundays.

A few rules for your safety and to protect the site

• no overnight camping
• no launching of any boats, including inflatable craft
• no fires or barbecues
• please also check the latest water quality report and safety rules

Volunteering at Frensham Common

Volunteer work parties are held every week.

Site Ranger: Steve Webster (Tel: 01252 792416)

History of Frensham Common

Frensham Common was once important to the local community as a source of fuel (heather turfs and wood), animal bedding (bracken) and roofing materials (heather turfs), and to provide rough grazing for their livestock. These days the site is valued for nature conservation and informal recreation, with many miles of paths and horserides. Angling and sailing are also available for members of the relevant clubs. Heathland is an internationally rare habitat and the Common supports a wealth of associated wildlife including sand lizards, Dartford warblers, nightjars, and unusual plants such as the insectivorous sundew.

Site Designations at Frensham Common

The site includes dry heath, wet heath, open water, reedbeds, alder carr, pine woodland and mixed woodland.  It has the following site designations:

• Special Protection Area (SPA)
• Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• Local Nature Reserve (LNR) - The Flashes,
• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
• Scheduled Ancient Monument (Kings Ridge Barrows),
• Registered Common

Tell us what you think

As part of a recent grant application to help manage the site, Waverley Borough Council's Countryside Service has prepared an outline list of aims and objectives for the future management of Frensham Common. We welcome comments on these proposals.  Please send these to the Site Manager, Ranger Steve Webster, whose contact details are listed on the Meet our Countryside Rangers page.

More information

Find out more about:

• Frensham Great Pond
• Frensham Little Pond (National Trust website).
  

Page owner: Nick Baxter. Last updated: 20/05/2013 10:27