Frensham Great Pond

Frensham Great Pond and 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 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.

 

For further information please see the website.