In Farnham and the surrounding area, many children, families, and individuals experience isolation, anxiety, and a growing disconnection from both nature and community. Opportunities to simply spend time outdoors, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging are increasingly limited—yet more important than ever.

space2grow exists to address this need.

Through inclusive, nature-based activities, we provide a safe and welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together. Our sessions support mental wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and help individuals build confidence, resilience, and meaningful social connections. By bringing together people across generational and socio-economic divides, we strengthen community cohesion and create opportunities for shared understanding and support. Children grow in confidence and curiosity, families feel less isolated, and individuals rediscover a sense of purpose and connection.

the space

space2grow sits on an acre of land between St Andrew’s Churchyard and the Bishop’s Meadow in the heart of Farnham. The land was purchased in 2016 by neighbouring residents the James family with the intention of creating a community space to enhance the local community’s connection to nature.

The acre has developed over the years into a thriving community space offering impactful activities centred around children and families. Click here to see all our activities.

All of the different areas in the space from the sheds to the growing area and the pond have been created with wildness in mind to create natural magic for the children who visit. The acre is tended by a wonderful group of adult volunteers who maintain the beautifully wild nature of the space, grow vegetables and flowers and carefully manage the wild areas.

the talking shed

Our vibrantly decorated talking shed is a beautiful indoor space used for our Parenting classes, meetings and we are proud to offer it for free use to local community groups and organisations for meetings including South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service, Home-Start, FADEG (local art group).

the growing area

Our growing area has vegetable beds, apple and pear trees, soft fruits and a greenhouse. We grow vegetables and fruit specifically with children in mind and the children who visit are encouraged to get involved and learn about growing food. Produce is used in sessions with the children and enjoyed by the adult volunteers.

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 acre which is tucked away between St Andrew’s churchyard and the Bishop’s Meadow, was originally a collection of allotments used by the local community. In the 1980s the land was bought by a family living nearby and used as a private garden until ill health led to the land becoming unused and overgrown. In 2016 it was put up for sale and purchased by Lou and Jon James who own the Old Vicarage next door.

Lou James, a family psychotherapist with experience of working in the NHS and CAHMS (child and adult mental health services) had a vision to take the overgrown acre of land and create a space for local people to benefit from being outside in nature.

Lou encouraged friends to get involved, volunteering their time. Months were spent clearing the garden, repairing the existing sheds and then discussions with local schools, councils, other charitable organisations and our local community began to define how best to support local people. Local mums were offered training to deliver the accredited Parenting Puzzle courses in the newly refurbished ‘talking shed’, local schools were contacted and offered use of the garden for outdoor learning, a growing group of volunteers created flower and vegetable beds, a wildlife pond and a wildflower meadow. The aim was always to keep the space ‘beautifully wild’ to encourage wildlife and create magical wild areas for children and adults alike to explore.

Local funders offered funds for sheds, plants and tools and in 2020 space2grow was registered as a charity.

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! ....