space2grow is located in central Farnham in Surrey and offers local people the opportunity to connect with others in the great outdoors, through horticulture and conversation.
Emphasis is on enabling people to reconnect with nature, each other and themselves.
We offer group activities across generational and socio-economic divides in the beautiful outdoor space (and in a big indoor ‘talking shed’), for a huge variety of individuals, schools and community groups, all of whom live locally.
aerial view of the acre
the talking shed
Our large and vibrantly decorated talking shed is used for many activities including parenting classes, mother/ baby support groups and local art organisations.
wildflower meadow
We’re very proud of our beautiful wild flower meadow. Each summer it provides a beautiful, natural show of flowers and is a haven for wildlife.
vegetable & fruit garden
Both children and adults use our veg beds to learn how to grow and tend a variety of tasty veg. The Imagine project created some smart raised veg beds for us which sit alongside our fruit trees. The produce from the acre is enjoyed by the volunteers and gifted to the local community. Our greenhouse allow us to cultivate the vegetables during the spring and to grow chillies and cucumbers in the summer.
the pond
Our wildlife pond provides a perfect spot for pond dipping for local schoolchildren, allowing them to see dragonflies and other wildlife close up. It’s also a lovely spot to sit and relax. A true collaborative project, the liner was funded by NHS innovation conference, funding for the decking was provided by 2020/2021 Farnham Town Mayor Pat Evans and installed by Farnham Men in Sheds. Our volunteer gardening groups landscaped the edges of the pond and added plants and Farnham Town Council generously donated soil and wildflower seed to finish off the area beautifully. On the 1st of May 2021 the pond was officially opened by Farnham Mayor Pat Evans and Michael More-Molyneux, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Surrey.
history of the space
Historically known as Bet Meadow, the space was originally a collection of allotments used by the local community.
The land was bought in the 1980's and owned as a private garden for 30 years, but is now once more being used for the benefit for the local community.
One of the first tasks to make the space usable again was to repair the garden shed. The shell of the old building was retained with wood cladding covering the insulation that keeps parents on the evening parenting courses warm throughout the winter.
The shed as it was before the renovations.
The renovated 'talking' shed with new porch and windows over looking the meadow.
The area in front of the shed before being planted
The renovated shed with wild flower meadow
Please contact us if you'd like to come and see the continual progress we are making and particularly if you would like to join in! ....
