CHILDREN from a school in Hackney visited space2grow for the chance to explore nature and get outdoors.

The trip to Farnham’s award-winning mental health and well-being garden was funded by a generous private individual, with pupils from London Fields Primary School taking part in a Covid-safe outdoor campover in tents, donated by the 1st Rowledge Girl Guides.

Max Lawson, assistant headteacher at London Fields Primary School, said: “What struck me most about our time at space2grow was how happy and content the children were in the surroundings.

“From the beautiful wildflower meadows to the river and the cooking shed, the environment that has been created on the acre is one of peacefulness, pleasure and happiness. You could see the children indulge in this feeling of serenity during their time on the site.

“We experienced nature first hand with a wonderful array of activities laid on by the fantastic team at space2grow, including petting animals from Mill Cottage Farm and farms2ewe mobile farms, paddling in the River Wey on the neighbouring Bishop’s Meadow, baking home-made pizzas in the woodfired oven with Coral’s Cookery School, making and decorating scarecrows, Japanese leaf printing on canvas, trampolining and even exploring the Second World War pillbox on site.

“On top of all this, there was a hilariously entertaining panto production of Cinderella from local amateur dramatic group The Chanticleer Players, with teachers even getting special mentions.

“All our needs were catered for, including accommodation for the overnight stay, a fish-and-chip supper from The Traditional Plaice and breakfast in the morning.

“Without doubt, this was another transformational trip for the children at our school, and it was also a lot of fun too.

“We can’t wait to come back and visit again – and thank space2grow.”

The children were given wood medals made by Farnham Men’s Shed in collaboration with the Farnham Maltings, which the children had the chance to decorate with their favourite memories of their time at space2grow.

Pupil Milo said: “The mobile farm was a lot of fun! I loved seeing so many animals and getting to stroke them.”

Another pupil, Iga, added: “I enjoyed everything, especially creating all of the colours in the leaf bashing activity.”

For more information on space2grow, visit www.space2grow.space