The river system
The River Wey
Farnham stands at a bridging point of the River Wey which runs through the
centre of the town. This is in fact the northern branch of the Wey which rises
near Alton and meets the southern branch at Tilford. The combined flow goes on
through Guildford until eventually meeting the Thames at Weybridge. The complete
system also includes a number of tributary streams including in Farnham the
Nadder Stream flowing through Farnham Park, and The Bourne and Frensham Vale
Streams running through South Farnham. Historically this part of the Wey river
system was important for the supply of water for the town’s people and its
industries. Today the waterways remain an asset to the town, greatly adding to
its scenic attraction and supporting a rich variety of wildlife. As with all
river systems, however, there is a risk of flooding, mainly at times of heavy
rainfall.
The management of flood risk
Left to its own devices the Wey, like all rivers, would largely regulate its own
flow by over-topping its banks into adjacent low-lying land often designated as
flood or water meadows. This natural process can still be seen in operation in
Farnham when the Bishop’s Meadows and other fields alongside the A 31 Alton road
are regularly under water. This water is effectively held in a temporary
reservoir, thus reducing the flood risk through the town centre. However, this
process is not sufficient on its own to protect the built up area and so other
measures need to be taken.
The management of flood risk from these rivers and the other drainage systems in
the town falls to a number of statutory Authorities but land owners whose
properties adjoin the watercourses and some other householders also have an
important part to play. For details go to Managing flood risk. Those at risk of
flooding need to take a methodical approach to protecting themselves and their
property. For details go to What to do before, during and after a flood.
The rivers also provide important corridors for wildlife through the
increasingly built up areas of the town. Conservation of the wildlife associated
with the watercourses falls principally to the Environment Agency but other
agencies including the Surrey Wildlife Trust and local volunteer groups also
have key roles to play. For details go to water quality and wildlife
conservation where the important subject of water quality is also discussed.
Two stage protection scheme in Borreli Walk
River Wey tributary
River Wey