fun relief for local families
The summer holiday club sessions have definitely been hot! Fortunately families have still been able to have fun outside due to the wonderful shade of the trees on the acre, some of these families having little or no access to their own outdoor space. The sessions have all been packed, with families benefiting from spending time together in the morning and more wild sessions with the older children in the afternoon.
The hard work of our volunteer gardeners has meant that the children have been able to do lots of activities with flowers from happazome to flower arranging. The willow branches have been used to make magical wands. The blackberries have been crushed to make juice and the elderberries used to make delightful purple concoctions in the mud kitchen. It has been so lovely to see everyone find joy in making new friends and playing freely. Not a device in sight and childhood just as it should be.
bench work
The men in sheds team have been as busy as ever repairing benches and notice boards for Farnham Town Council providing an amazing service. The work for the team has been non-stop and the 'to-do' list never shortening! Very grateful for all they do for the wider community in Farnham.
farnham forest school
This term we celebrated a first full academic year working in partnership with the Farnham Forest School. Every Thursday the acre has become home to the Nature Rangers sessions for home educated, flexi-schooled children and those accessing Alternative Provision, alongside the Wild Play After School Club. Together, we’ve watched children build confidence, friendships and resilience through the Forest School approach, learning not only about nature, but within it. We hear a little more at the end of this newsletter but to find out more about the sessions or to check September availability email the team at contact@farnhamforestschool.co.uk
caring for the space
Behind the scenes the volunteers have been looking after the different habitats in the space. We have entered the environmental award with S&SEiB and we have adopted a natural approach to our ‘growing’ area allowing more self seeded plants and flowers to grow amongst the vegetables. Weeding less has allowed the beds to fare better in the extreme heat, limiting the exposure of soil and protecting the roots. This has been lovely with poppies, borage and comfrey all adding colour and attracting pollinators.
community support
Huge thanks to the Farnham Institute who have contributed to the new kitchen shed we were able to install. The shed has nestled in nicely near the Talking Shed and means we have a clean and hygienic space to prepare snacks for the children and tea & coffee for the adults. Thank you!
reflections from the acre...
This week we hear from Mandie, one of the Farnham Forest School team about their time over the last year;
" From exploring the stream, harvesting willow, cooking over the fire, using tools safely and caring for wildlife, to simply finding a quiet moment in a hammock or sharing lunch around the log circle, every session has been shaped by curiosity, choice and adventure. It has been a privilege to see children develop practical skills, independence and a genuine sense of belonging in such a special place.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity and support of everyone at space2grow. Thank you for trusting us with your wonderful site and for enabling so many children to experience the benefits of regular time outdoors.
We are excited to see what the next academic year brings and look forward to many more Thursdays of muddy boots, smiling faces and memorable adventures together."
