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.

The site 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.

The 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.

Facilities

• 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
  

Location and transport

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

Charges for Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays (from Easter to end September) NB:  Please note new car parking charges applicable for 2010 (see below)

• all vehicles - £2.50 Blue Badge holders (severely disabled people) - no charge
• National Trust members (please show your card) - no charge

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.

What is it like?

Dry heath, wet heath, open water, reedbeds, alder carr, pine woodland, mixed woodland.

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

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 see the latest water quality report and safety rules.

Volunteering

Volunteer work parties are held every week.

Site Ranger: Steve Webster (Tel: 01252 792416)

Please note that phone calls may be recorded for training or monitoring purposes.

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.

Page Updated: 26/05/2010 16:22