The stunning Frensham Little Pond, and Great Pond, in Surrey were created in the 13th century, when the Plantagenet King Henry III was on the English throne. The Bishop of Winchester wanted a fish supply for when he visited Farnham Castle and ordered that ponds should be created at Frensham.
It was formed by building an ironstone wall (some of the original stonework remains) across a shallow valley and damming a stream entering the other end of the pond, which came from a spring in the grounds of Silverbeck, Churt.
During the Second World War the pond was used as a tank training ground, but it was returned to nature in 1949 and has been managed by the National Trust since 1974. Frensham Little Pond is now a Site of Special Specific Interest, a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation.
It’s a sanctuary for wildlife with rare and vulnerable birds such as sedge warbler, reed bunting and great crested grebe as well as nightjars and woodlarks. Damselflies and dragonflies dart over the water in the warmer months. If you’re lucky you might even spot a scaly reptile – snakes and sand lizards thrive in the environment. We’ve only spotted one grass snake so far but they do like to keep themselves hidden!
First stop for us today was a fleeting visit to the Turn Cafe for a drink, cake and obligatory toilet break. It’s definitely worthwhile refuelling here as there are no other facilities around Frensham Little Pond. It’s also a wonderful place to just sit and admire the views across the water.
The cottage and tea hut (which is now the bird hide) are still here today. They were almost demolished by tanks and other assault weapons in the Second World War.
The landscape around Frensham Little Pond is just beautiful. From the Tall Scot pines trees and ancient oaks that surround the lake to the colourful mosiac of heather and bright yellow gorse.
There are many footpaths to explore and with it being a nice day we decided to take a stroll around the Little Pond. POD armed with a few essential items ‘just in case’ like swim shoes, a blanket and a Barbie colouring book. Plus of course the trusted muzzy which she really only needs at bedtime.
As well as taking a wander around the Little Pond, you can also hike to the Great Pond which is part of Frensham Common and managed by Waverley Borough Council.
We opted for the former as it takes around an hour – or a couple if you have a four year old that likes to stop! From trying on Mummy’s sunglasses to lots of climbing and jumping.
The walk around the Little Pond has a wide range of habitats including dry and wet heath, ponds, reedbeds, alder carr and a range of transitional phases from open heath to secondary coniferous and deciduous woodland.
Frensham Little Pond is a magnificent place to blow away a few cobwebs whatever the weather. When the sun is shining its just heavenly.
Joining #whatsthestory here on PODcast.
Such beautiful pictures! This looks like a great place to visit. I especially love the picture of the lined trees
This looks like such a beautiful place, perfect to take a picnic on a nice sunny day! Love POD’s dress, so pretty x
Beautiful photos and memories behind them. Josh has to have his muzzy at bedtime too! Thanks for hosting the linky. Right up my street #Whatsthestory
This looks like a brilliant place to visit – so much wildlife! Great photos – think Mummy’s sunglasses suit POD 🙂 xx
As usual, your photos are wonderful 🙂 Love the jumping one xx
Wow what a stunning place and a great piece of history.
What an absolutely beautiful place to go for a stroll. x
I love nothing more than a good forest walk with the kids. Sounds like there is plenty to explore here!
What character and thank you it is nice to hear the history too. When did Pod get so big though?
It looks absolutely beautiful! Just the sort of place that we would love. Gorgeous photos, as always x
This looks like a lovely place to visit. We have Avon Country Park which looks very similar with heathland and forest and mine love to explore too
My 10 year old would be there on the promise of a chance to see a lizard 😉
What a beautiful place. I love taking the kids out on an adventure, we are all so much happier when we have been outside.
oh looks lovely and glad the weather was nice i love a lake walk
what a beautiful place , those trees are so tall . my Pod has grown x
Lovely pictures Mrs, place looks fab xx
What beautiful calming photos. That looks like a great place to adventure.
Can you believe we live in Fleet, and I have never been to Frensham pond?? It is on my list though. xx
Lovely photos and loved reading some of the history of it. We’ve spent a bit of time on the beaches at both ponds but haven’t done much walking around yet, but after reading your post hoping to go one day soon for a wander as only few miles up the road.
A lovely looking place to explore freely as a family, what is it about water that makes a place look so peaceful and inviting? Don’t forget to link to Country Kids too.