Frensham Common is a fine example of open Surrey heathland. It is one of the largest expanses in the Weald and designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA). It covers 372 hectares (922 acres) and consists of dry and wet heath, some woodland, scrub and ponds. It is of great importance for heathland insects, reptiles and birds, such as the Nightjar, Stonechat and Whinchat.
The common and Great Pond is leased to Waverley Borough Council which manages the area.
The Little Pond is owned and managed by the National Trust. It is man-made and was formed when a dam was built in 1246. It was used to supply fish to the Bishop of Winchester's court when visiting Farnham Castle and was also run as a commercial enterprise. It has some important fen habitats, with fringes of Yellow Iris, Sweet Flag and common reeds and Alder and Willow Carr. Marsh Cinquefoil, Bur Marigold, Water Mint and Angelica can also be found here, along with many species of damselfly and dragonfly. The pond is managed partly as a bird sanctuary and supports Reed Bunting, Reed and Sedge Warbler, Snipe, Redshank, Great Crested Grebe and Water Rail.
Both ponds were drained during the World War II to remove distinctive identification features in the landscape, and were used for tank exercises until being refilled in 1949.
On the heathland are plants such as Bell Heather, Ling, gorse (including Dwarf Gorse) and bracken in the drier areas, with mosses, sedges, common and Cotton grasses and Round-Leaved Sundew on wet ground. Sand Lizards occur, along with heathland insects such as Silver-Studded Blue butterfly and numerous mining bees and digger wasps. It is also rich in spider fauna.
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