The Pride of the Valley Sculpture Park adjoins Frensham Common.

Frensham Common and the Flashes cover nearly 1000 acres of attractive countryside. Much of the Common is lowland heath, created when Bronze Age farmers cleared the original forest to create farmland. the nutrient value of the soils declined rapidly and the clearings were abandoned. These poor thin soils were then colonised by heather and other specialised plants, forming today's heathland.

Since then the heath has had many uses, providing grazing and fuel for local people, army training, and in recent years recreation and conservation. Heathland is now a very rare habitat, supporting many endangered plants and animals including Sand Lizards, Dartford Warblers and Woodlarks.

The ponds were built in the 13th century to provide the fish for the Bishop of Winchester's Estate. They are still used by anglers and provide a home for waterfowl and other wildlife.

These walks are intended to help you enjoy the Common and encourage greater understanding of the area. There are four routes including a short (450 metres) "Easier Access" loop suitable for wheelchair users. Each walk is shown on the map below and on the information boards, and waymarked with coloured discs. All the walks start at the Information Room at the Great Pond.

We hope you enjoy the common.

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