Access All Areas – Frensham Great Pond
In August 2023, The Coalition’s Access All Area’s project offered their insights for an accessibility review at Frensham Great Pond.
Frensham Common is 922 acres (373 hectares) heathland which includes the Frensham Great Pond and Frensham Little Pond. It is owned by the National Trust and managed by Waverley Borough Council.
The site supports several protected species, including sand lizards, smooth snakes, woodlarks, Dartford warblers and nightjars. It is a popular filming location for films and TV shows. Scenes from Carry On Jack (1963), The Mummy (1999), Snow White and The Huntsman (2012), The Witcher (2019 -) and The Witcher: Blood Origin (2022) were shot there. (IMdB)
Jonathan, Anna, Suzân, Yasmin, Angie T, Katy, Jasmine and Alex from The Coalition met with Emma from Surrey Hills National Landscape, Ranger Darren and Faye from Waverly Borough Council to discuss what accessibility improvements could be made to Frensham Great Pond. These changes are likely to made in April 2024.
Jonathan Fisher, Chair of The Coalition writes: “Having never before visited the site I was able to walk some of the paths around the Frensham Big Pond. Being totally blind, I had a sighted companion, Katy Hubbard [Physical Activity Navigator] who was able to make sure that I did not trip on the many roots which could have been a hazard. The peaceful site was being enjoyed by many visitors but there was plenty of space for quiet enjoyment. The existing café and toilet facilities were accessible provided there was suitable signage. The summative conversation with the Ranger and Wildlife Trust were an excellent opportunity to make my positively worded suggestions. With no regular public transport my only access from Runnymede would be by private car or as on Friday in a group of hired taxi.
While there is an obvious aim to maintain a quiet environment, ecological interests would be served by having some form of Eco-friendly bus from Farnham to reduce the number of cars required. I suggested also that a digital route description would give me and other visually impaired some independence.
The production of some accessible information panels might also be considered.”
Suzân says: “I enjoyed being in the fresh air and by the water again. It has been many years since I was last at Frensham Big Pond, otherwise known as the Great Pond. Seeing people enjoying the water whether by swimming, paddling, or sailing says that so many people can enjoy the water and the surrounding countryside full of flora and fauna. Going along the boardwalk and then along the sandy paths was a delight. The pathways were all safe and no fear of sinking into the ground and getting stuck.
However, going towards the water was a different matter as the sand was very soft and I required a push to get out. With the improvements for safety i.e. boardwalks and yet keeping the natural beauty will make the experience enjoyable for all. To be able to appreciate the natural habitat of a wide variety of wildlife adds another level to the visit. Listening to the sounds of the birds will be more enjoyable when identification of sight and sound will be displayed in the future. Great plans for the area for visitors to enjoy. Having loos available including an accessible loo makes for a non-stressful visit and the availability of hot and cold drinks, food including a small amount for vegans and ice creams are available from the café with outdoor picnic tables and attached benches with wheelchair spaces at the corners. Heathland almost disappeared and thankfully, conservation and returning overgrowth of trees etc to heathland brings a new group of flora and fauna which haven’t been seen in the area for some time.”
For more information about Frensham Great Pond, please visit: Waverley Borough Council – Frensham Great Pond.
Access All Areas is a project that tests how accessible places in Surrey and North-East Hampshire are for Disabled people. To find out more about the project or to get involved, please email: involvement@surreycoalition.org.uk, call: 01483 456558 or SMS: 07780 933053.
