Work Begins on accessibility improvements at Pierrepont Farm with £70k funding from Surrey Hills National Landscape

The Countryside Regeneration Trust is excited to announce the start of a vital accessibility improvement project at Pierrepont Farm in Surrey- thanks to a £70,000 grant. 

The funding from the Surrey Hills Access for All Fund means the CRT can improve access to the farm, which is at the heart of the Surrey Hills National Landscape. 

The project has been developed in collaboration with key partners, including the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), who have provided valuable input to make sure all upgrades meet the needs of visitors with varying abilities. 

The key improvements to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the beautiful landscape, include making the historic carriage track an accessible pathway.  

Helena Darragh (CRT) and Suzân (volunteer from Surrey Coalition of Disabled People) explore the proposed permissive path ahead of enhancement for more inclusive access

The CRT's Helena Darragh with Surrey Coalition of Disabled People staff and volunteers on the proposed permissive path ahead of enhancements for inclusive access.

This will lead to a picnic area, which will provide a peaceful spot for visitors to enjoy views of the historic parkland and grazing livestock. The carriage track itself was once the track which led to Pierrepont House, when the estate was all connected under the same ownership. 

The track will include an interpretative sign, designed to give information on Pierrepont farm, the surrounding area and nature-friendly management, and Braille will be included for visually impaired visitors.  

Other improvements will include the creation of two designated disabled parking bays, marked with clear signage.  

The project will also see an upgrade to toilet access at the Old Dairy Courtyard, which is home to a number of artisan businesses. 

Helena Darragh, Head of Conservation at CRT, explained this initiative is crucial for opening up Pierrepont Farm to a wider range of visitors. 

"The walk down the old carriage track is absolutely beautiful, and we want everyone to have the opportunity to experience it,” she said. 

"Pierrepont Farm is home to a stunning woodland area, which is particularly special during the spring when bluebells blanket the ground, and in the autumn, when fungi grow at the edge of the path and on tree trunks,” Helena added.  “Visitors can also enjoy the sounds of robins singing and great spotted woodpeckers tapping on tree bark.” 

Work has started on the accessibility project at Pierrepont Farm.

Marking out the picnic area with views over the parkland fields

Working on the new disabled car parking bays.

Before starting the work, the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People conducted an accessibility review of the site. This allowed the CRT to identify specific improvements, such as accessible paths, surfaces, and signage, ensuring that the site is fully inclusive for people with disabilities. 

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 are thrilled to support Pierrepont Farm to make this beautiful site more accessible to visitors who may face barriers to enjoying the countryside.  

“Access to nature is vital for our mental and physical well-being, and the improvements at this site will provide an outstanding experience for everyone, while still safeguarding the natural environment. Supporting organisations like the Countryside Regeneration Trust is central to our mission, and this collaboration—alongside the invaluable input from the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and RNIB—has resulted in an exceptional project." 

The project at Pierrepont Farm is one of several initiatives funded to promote inclusivity and enhance visitors’ experiences. 

The improvements at Pierrepont Farm are scheduled to be completed by the end of February 2025, just in time for the arrival of spring, when visitors can enjoy the fully accessible routes and facilities.