Farncombe Community Garden - case study summary
Established in 2017 by GPs at Binscombe Medical Centre, the Farncombe Community Garden provides nature‑based activities that promote wellbeing. The aim of the project was to install a new wooden Community Hub building within the existing community garden. Your Fund Surrey supported the project with £114,000, (79% of total project costs) towards the wood cabin, kitchen, solar panels, heating and utility connection.
The intended benefits of the project were to enable year‑round activities, strengthen community cohesion, and expand the health and wellbeing programmes offered on site.
Community focus
Community consultation identified a strong desire for nature‑based wellbeing opportunities, but progress was limited due to a lack of shelter, kitchen, and toilet facilities. Local data highlighted significant vulnerability in the area, with Farncombe ranked 1st in Surrey for its “Vulnerable Population Dimension,” linked to groups disproportionately affected by COVID‑19 (including those with disabilities, mental health needs, carers, and older people living alone). The project aimed to provide therapeutic, inclusive, and accessible outdoor engagement for these groups.
The aim of the hub was to benefit a wide spectrum of the community, including:
- Individuals experiencing loneliness, social isolation, or mental health challenges.
- Local schools using the garden as an outdoor classroom or eco‑therapy space.
- Residents of the neighbouring dementia care home.
- Volunteers who support the garden’s activities.
- Local organisations such as GP practices and social prescribing services.
Impact since funding
The funding has enabled Farncombe Community Garden to successfully complete the construction of its new community building. The building has immediately strengthened the visibility and profile of the garden, attracting 289 visitors at its official opening and increasing weekly footfall and community engagement. It has provided a warm, accessible, and sociable space that supports both active and passive participation, enabling people to enjoy the garden in new ways. Volunteers have contributed significantly to the project’s development. The improved infrastructure has also helped expand the garden’s regular provision from three sessions per week to at least six, including both public and targeted sessions.
Since opening, the building has generated meaningful benefits for a wide range of groups, creating new partnerships and deepening existing ones. Local organisations working with children, neurodiverse individuals, people with mental health needs, older adults, care home residents, and those with physical or learning challenges are now using the space regularly.
