A STAMPEDE of visitors have descended on local beauty spots in recent weeks, culminating in the chaotic scenes at Frensham Common on bank-holiday Monday.

But as Dr Ed Wernick, the GP leading Farnham’s response to Covid-19, has himself put into practice this week – for those in the know, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore locally and escape the crowds.

Speaking to the Herald from the banks of Kingsley Pond, taking time out from a fishing trip with his sons Ethan and Cameron (pictured), Dr Wernick urged people to get out into the great outdoors – but to “think wisely” about where they go.

“You’ve got to think slightly outside the box,” he said. “Instead of going to a common pinch-point, try somewhere different you haven’t been before.

“People are desperate after being in such a strict lockdown to go out again and enjoy these large open spaces. But there are lots of walks and lesser-known beauty spots around, too.

“Buy an Ordnance Survey map or download the OS app on your smart phone, and explore. Places like the South Downs has endless space to enjoy safely.”

It is believed there is a lower risk of contracting Covid-19 while outdoors – but this is not the only reason Dr Wernick welcomes the prospect of more open spaces opening to the public.

He added: “If only a few areas open up, it puts pressure on those areas, whereas if lots of areas open up it means there’s greater opportunity for people to spread out.

“If you stick within the rules that have been set, then we’ve got a great opportunity to be able to go outside and do healthy family things, normal things.

“Bike shops have sold out of bikes, running shoe shops are out of running shoes, and I think we’re probably getting healthier as a nation.

“As more of us are working from home, we’ve got more time for these sort of things, so make the most of it.”

But Dr Wernick again stressed it had to be done responsibly, and contrasted the chaotic scenes at Frensham Ponds over the weekend with the ordered social distancing at Sunday’s Farnham farmers’ market.

He said: “We have examples where it’s done really well. It’s sustainable and there is a confidence that people are being kept safe.

“And then there are other areas where it’s just being abused, and not really thought out.

“I hope the police and other agencies will be able to protect those busier places.”