People in Surrey urged to 'think twice' before visiting Frensham Pond
The beauty spot became overcrowded during sunny days over lockdown last year
Last updated 31st Mar 2021
People in Surrey will want to enjoy the sunshine today but we are being urged to 'think twice' before visiting Frensham Pond near Farnham.
Last year, the beauty spot saw crowds of people visit the protected area during lockdown.
On some days the car park was full by 10:30am - with drivers ending up parking on neighbouring roads and verges.
This caused damage to the site and Waverely Borough Council are now urging people to be more considerate.
Darren Hill is a ranger there and told Greatest Hits Radio what it was like last year:
"We found additional visitors parking on every available space, be it on the surrounding roads, the village green or even crossing ditches to park on the protected heath land itself.
"This alongside the huge increase in litter on the site, posed a real risk to the wellbeing of visitors and our rare and endangered wildlife.
"When parking is full - the site is full"
Lockdown restrictions eased this week, coinciding with the warm weather, so rangers are concerned more people will visit the nature site.
Darren is encouraging people to respect the countryside we have on our doorstep:
"We're asking potential visitors to really think twice about visiting during the fine weather.
"There's no parking on surrounding roads and when the car park is full up - unfortunately the site is full up.
"If you do manage to visit then take your litter home with you and protect the site from wildfires by not bringing sources of ignition with you."