Farnham District Campsite at Garner’s Field.
Garner’s Field Campsite – Main Field
‘Garner’s Field’ is the name of Farnham District Scout Association’s Campsite just outside Farnham in Surrey. Details of the Campsite features, facilities and site use requirements can be found below or on separate pages on this site.
History
The site and much of the surrounding area was formerly a quarry which had been filled in. Under the leadership of former Farnham District Commissioner Eric Garner the site was purchased in the 1970‟s for Scouting Activities and the site named in his honour.
Location
Garner’s Field is located in a rural setting approximately three miles south of Farnham near the village of Tilford . The site is easily accessible by vehicles (but not coaches) via a tarmac surfaced track from nearby Sheephatch Lane, Tilford.
The camp site is at OS Map Reference 865447. On OS Explorer Map 145, ‘Garner’s Field’ (name not marked) adjoins the Surrey County Girl Guide’s, ‘Herons Wey’ Campsite (name marked). OS Pathfinder Sheet SU 84/94 also covers the area. The Campsite has no mailing address or postcode as such however the postcode for nearby housing is GU10 2AQ. However if you search for Garners Field Campsite on Google you will be shown exactly where the Campsite is and also be show an information box, with some Campsite details.
Please respect the 5 mph vehicle speed limit when driving along the tarmac road.
When leaving the site we kindly ask all visitors to turn left out of the main exit to avoid causing traffic congestion and environmental erosion along the single track, as there aren’t many places for cars to safely pass one-another.
Site
The Campsite comprises a seven acre mainly level field adjacent to the river Wey with individual camping areas located around the periphery. A large central open grassed area is provided for communal use. The layout of the Campsite is shown below.
Two Weather Shelters are provided. A smaller one near the car park for the temporary stowage of camping equipment and refuge from the weather. A second larger shelter has been added (2016) next to the Supervised Assault Coursel which in addition to the stowage of equipment may be used by small groups for outdoor activities under shelter. Please note that due the fire risk the use of gas equipment or open fires in or adjacent to either of the wooden shelters is not permitted.
Facilities provided around the Campsite include:
- Archery Range (please note this facility is rated for ‘starters’ and ‘low impact’ use only).
- Tomahawk Range.
- Climbing and Abseiling Tower.
- Supervised Assault Course (a low key ‘assault course’ suitable for young people under supervision).
- Campfire Circle.
- Communal Activity and Games Field.
- Pioneering materials (bring own ropes and also travelling block if constructing an aerial runway).
- Backwoods area for hammock slinging between trees.
- Canoe/raft launching point into river.
- Rubbish bins located near the main entrance.
- Assembly Hall and Shower block (see ‘Campsite Facilities’ for more details)
- Internet access and phone.
Fresh/drinking water pipe stands are provided around the main field and adjacent to the buildings. For freshness it is recommended that field taps are initially flushed for 10 seconds before using.
Wood is delivered to the site for campfires and cooking – only this wood or dead wood collected from the ground may be burned. Please return any unused wood to the wood pile.
The digging of fire pits is not permitted. Altar fires and ‘fire pit’ burners may be used at the camping areas. A selection of altar fire/BBQ’s and cast iron portable ‘fire pits’ are available on site for use on a first come basis. Fire lighting skills can be practiced at the campfire circle.
Please use axes and saws responsibly.
Individual camping area waste/grey water drainage facilities should be built above ground near the field boundaries (for example using a perforated bucket or bin liner filled with filter material that can later be burned). Please do not dig wet pits, throw wet refuse into the hedgerows or pour anything into the river.
Subject to prior booking the site is open year round for camping and activities to all members of the Scouting Association plus young people taking part in established award schemes e.g. D of E. With special permission the site has occasionally been used for wedding receptions and family gatherings – conditions may apply.
To date our site has been used by Scouting Association Members of all ages from both near and far for such as: fun days, training days, weekend camps, family camps, D of E activities, campfire evenings, hike stopovers, summer camps, water activities, winter frost camps and many others.
Our facilities are continually evolving and continue to grow as interest and opportunity permit. In 2019 the Assembly Building including the main hall has been totally refurbished with the addition of a new lobby entrance, enlarged catering quality kitchen, hall furniture store, new hall toilets including a disabled facility/wet room, first aid room/office plus flooring and decorations renewed throughout. You can find out more about the Campsite facilities by using the menu option above or by clicking HERE.
If you want to book Garner’s Field for your event or camp please use one of the booking forms on the bookings page by clicking on the link in the menu above or HERE.
If you require further information about booking the Campsite please contact the Campsite Bookings Secretary by email to: campsitebookings@farnhamscouting.com .
Our Lovely River!
