SURREY Day was an extra-special occasion at space2grow, an award-winning mental well-being garden in the middle of Farnham, as it coincided with a visit from Michael More-Molyneux, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey.

Space2grow is one of the charities of the year of Pat Evans, the mayor of Farnham, and May Day was the official launch of her special project on the acre – a wildlife pond, with decking made by Farnham Men in Sheds, a collaboration between space2grow and Farnham Maltings.

With a grant from the mayor’s fund for the materials, Farnham Men in Sheds’ woodworking skills were put to the test, building the decking around the pond that was then landscaped and planted by the volunteer gardeners, young and old.

The pond can now be used by local school children for pond dipping and wildlife classes and for the older generation to sit in quiet contemplation, watching the dragonflies hover over the water.

The Lord Lieutenant had the opportunity to meet some of the many people who regularly visit the acre.

The volunteers explained how much the community garden meant to them and how much it had improved their mental health through gardening groups, cooking clubs, parenting groups and woodworking activities.

Representatives were also present from the mayor’s other charity of the year, Hale Community Centre.

During lockdown the two mayor’s charities formed a working partnership called space2breathe, giving local families opportunities to meet at either venue, accompanied by local volunteers.

For some parents it was almost the first time that they had spoken to another adult during lockdown.

Space2breathe is continuing after lockdown, with regular after school and holiday activities, such as football and cooking at Hale Community Centre and tree climbing at space2grow.

To find out more, check out the charities’ websites www.space2grow.space or halecommunitycentre.org.uk