A major accessibility project at the Countryside Regeneration Trust’s (the CRT) Pierrepont Farm in Surrey is now complete, with a brand-new footpath officially open to the public. Thanks to a £58,014.57 grant from the Surrey Hills Access for All Fund and a legacy donation in memory of Fiona Lorimer, access on the farm has been greatly improved ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the beautiful landscape, by making the historic carriage track an accessible pathway.
Enhancing accessibility and conservation at Pierrepont Farm
An interpretive sign, including Braille for visually impaired visitors, provides insight into Pierrepont Farm, nature-friendly farming practices, and local wildlife.
Additional upgrades include two designated disabled parking bays with clear signage and improved accessible toilet facilities at the Old Dairy Courtyard – home to several local artisan businesses.
Helena Darragh, Head of Conservation at the CRT, said the initiative was crucial for opening up Pierrepont Farm to a wider range of visitors.
She said: “The final result looks amazing. The path takes visitors to a lovely, secluded area on the edge of the parkland while enjoying river, farmland and woodland views.
“Opening up Pierrepont Farm to more people has always been our goal, and this new path ensures more people have the opportunity to experience it.
“A big thank you goes to our dedicated volunteers who helped clear the route and built soft boundaries with dead hedges—creating not just access, but new wildlife habitats too.”
Collaborating for a more accessible countryside
The project was developed in collaboration with key partners, including the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), who provided valuable input to make sure all upgrades meet the needs of visitors with varying abilities.
Nikki Roberts, CEO, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, said: “We’re really pleased to work with the Countryside Regeneration Trust team on this project.
“The team contacted us right at the beginning of the project, ensuring that any plans included the accessibility needs of people using the farm.
“The introduction of disabled parking spaces, accessible paths and an upgraded accessible toilet will make a huge difference to disabled people and those living with long term health conditions that wish to visit. Pierrepont Farm is situated in a beautiful location that now many more people will be able to enjoy.”
Suzân Lewis-Jones, Coalition member, who officially cut the ribbon to declare the footpath open, said: “I really appreciate the work that has been done by the Countryside Regeneration Trust at Pierrepont Farm to make this beautiful place more accessible and inclusive.
“I live locally to Pierrepont and, with the Coalition, have been involved with the accessibility plans for the farm from the outset. The changes mean it will make it much easier for so many people, including me, to visit and benefit from everything that the countryside has to offer.
“When accessibility for all those with impairments, whether mobility or sensory, is addressed, such as here, it means true inclusivity, and a greater enjoyment of all that nature has in abundance.”
The Surrey Hills Access for All fund provided by DEFRA supports initiatives that improve access to natural spaces, ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy the beauty of this designated National Landscape.
Rob Fairbanks, Director of the Surrey Hills National Landscape, said:
“We’re proud to support accessibility improvements at Pierrepont Farm through our DEFRA Access for All fund.
“This is a truly special site – rich in agricultural heritage, central to the rural economy, and teeming with wildlife, with the River Wey flowing right including the Frensham to Bourne Rail Bus Ramble.
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Surrey Coalition for Disabled People and committed landowners like the CRT whose efforts are helping to make the National Landscape more accessible for everyone.”
To learn more about the project or the work of the CRT, please visit the CRT website.