Horsham District Council’s Enterprising Horsham team, joined by Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Property Cllr Jonathan Taylor and Samantha Smithson from Experience Sussex, visited Sumners Ponds in Barns Green to learn more about the business’ significant contribution to Horsham District’s rural economy and visitor offer.
A long-established family-run business, Sumners Ponds has successfully diversified from its origins as a traditional farm into a thriving rural enterprise encompassing fishing, visitor accommodation, hospitality, leisure and farming across approximately 100 acres.
Today the site features five fishing lakes, a range of accommodation options including lodges, shepherd’s huts, safari tents and camping pods, together with The Café by the Lake, which showcases locally sourced produce including the farm’s own beef.
During the visit, Council and tourism representatives toured the site and discussed the business’ development, employment contribution and future aspirations with directors Harry Smith, George Smith and Simon Smith. The business employs around 40 people during the winter months, increasing to between 50 and 60 during the summer season, making it a significant rural employer within the District.
Discussions on the visit focused on opportunities to further strengthen the District’s visitor economy and support sustainable growth.
Sumners Ponds outlined ambitions to expand its wellbeing offer through nature-based experiences such as forest bathing, saunas and plunge pools, building on the site’s established reputation for tranquillity, outdoor recreation and relaxation.
The owners also shared plans to explore the potential for a small vineyard, creating further connections with Sussex’s growing wine tourism sector.
The visit also highlighted the importance of improving sustainable travel options for rural attractions. Opportunities to enhance cycling connections and explore future transport links for visitors were discussed, reflecting the business’ proximity to the popular Downs Link route.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Property, Cllr Jonathan Taylor, said: “It was a pleasure to visit Sumners Ponds and meet the Smith family to learn more about how they have successfully developed the business over a number of years while retaining its strong farming roots.
The quality of the visitor experience they have created is impressive, and their commitment to reinvesting in the business has helped establish Sumners Ponds as an important contributor to both the rural economy and visitor offer within Horsham District.
"We look forward to continuing our dialogue as they explore future opportunities for growth and diversification.”
Simon Smith, Managing Director of Sumners Ponds, said: “We were delighted to welcome representatives from Horsham District Council to Sumners Ponds and share our plans for the future. As a family business, we are passionate about continually improving the experience we offer our visitors, while supporting local suppliers and the wider rural economy.
It was encouraging to discuss opportunities around tourism, wellbeing and sustainable travel, and we appreciate the Council and Experience Sussex taking the time to better understand both our business and the role we play within the District.”
The visit to Sumners Ponds forms part of the Council’s ongoing engagement programme with businesses across Horsham District, helping to strengthen relationships, understand business needs and support a prosperous local economy.