Accessible Pond Creation RSPB Farnham Heath

RSPB applied for a grant of £7,320.90 to create accessible ponds within a Discovery Zone at Farnham Heath.

Three wildlife ponds were created on Farnham Heath, designed to be wheelchair-accessible through a raised-edge path. This path leads to two elevated ponds, allowing visitors to interact directly with the water, as well as a ground-level pond for additional accessibility. While much of Farnham Heath is challenging to navigate due to its deep sandy terrain, an area near the Rural Life Living Museum car park was identified as an ideal location for a new Discovery Zone.

The Surrey Coalition of Disabled People was invited to tour the site and provide valuable advice on creating an inclusive, accessible space. Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools also contributed to the planning, ensuring the Discovery Zone is engaging and enjoyable for everyone.

The ponds, now filling with rainwater, have quickly become habitats for a variety of aquatic invertebrates, including Whirligig beetles and Water Boatmen. This project is envisioned as a model for future Discovery Zones across the RSPB and potentially other organizations, showcasing how accessible design can coexist with wildlife conservation.