A NEW one-acre community garden and wildflower meadow set in the heart of Farnham recently welcomed a visit by children from nearby St Andrew’s Infant School.

On their first ever visit to the garden, which is found behind St Andrew’s Church and also boasts a pond and even a maze, the pupils soon set about exploring the garden before taking part in various activities.

These included potting their own sunflowers, drawing and identifying wild flowers and completing a fun symmetry lesson using the plants and flowers that surrounded them.

It was an enjoyable day, with an exploration of the maze bringing about much excitement and laughter.

The space2grow project sits on an acre of land found on the path leading from St Andrew’s into Bishops Meadow. The plot has been generously donated by the James’ family to create a unique garden to benefit the town.

It has a beautiful wood-clad cabin, used primarily for ‘Parenting Puzzle’ courses and this has so far benefited about 60 local families to navigate their way through the complexities of family life.

The cabin is set within a wildflower meadow that flows seamlessly onto the gardening project, where volunteers of all abilities are creating a garden in their own vision.

To-date they have made a number of vegetable strips, planted out raised flower beds and are currently planning a secluded garden.

Corin Harrison, who manages the space2grow project, said: “This wonderful and magical acre is already bringing people from all walks of life together in a space that is safe and non-judgemental.

“People are encouraged to share their ideas, and wherever possible these are implemented so that each volunteer leaves their own unique stamp on the land.

“If you would like to be involved, or know of a group that might benefit from spending time in such a unique and friendly environment, then why not come along on a Wednesday morning for a taster session and enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake!”

• Pupils from St Andrew’s returned to the garden just days later for a visit by judges from Farnham in Bloom.

Stories were read to the children in the cabin, the judges were given an overview of the Parenting Puzzle courses, and the acre was dressed with benches and chairs, rugs and cushions, bunting in the trees and even a camping area.

Refreshments included ice cream, iced elderflower cordial and lots of cake.

For more information about the space2grow project and it’s future objectives, visit the website space2grow.space.