Local people wanting to do something beneficial for nature turned out in force on Saturday for the Farnham in Bloom Community Day organised by Farnham Town Council.
Despite episodes of hail, rain, wind and the occasional glimpse of sunshine, a hardy group of volunteers rolled up their sleeves and made a positive difference to Gostrey Meadow and the town centre. The day’s achievements included litter picking, the creation of a new flower bed between the playground and bridge, and the planting of a British native hedge in the wildlife area.
The Community Day also saw the unveiling of a stunning new habitat for Farnham’s pollinators and flying insects, which was created by Green Up Britain and Farnham’s Men in Sheds. The bug hotel spells out the word ‘Farnham’ and as well as providing a safe haven for the insect population, it aims to raise awareness and start conversations about the natural world.
There was plenty for families to enjoy at Farnham Community Day including the Mill Cottage Farm Experience where children met pigs, sheep, lambs, ducks, chickens, goats and guinea pigs. Families also took part in Farnham in Bloom activities which were run by local community groups and included vegetable printing, planting sunflower seeds ready for entry into the tallest sunflower competition, making mini bug hotels, colouring paper butterflies and potting on plug plants for display in the town centre later this spring.
Councillor Matthew Brown, Lead Member for Environment says: “2024 is an extra special year for Farnham in Bloom because, for the fourth time, we are through to the finals of Britain in Bloom. We launched this year’s Farnham in Bloom campaign at the Community Day together with sponsors and volunteers. The gathering provided a good opportunity to celebrate and reflect on how much can be achieved when people come together with a common purpose.
“Taking care of our natural world is an all-year-round occupation so it was good to see ten or so local environmental groups exhibiting at the Community Day and informing people about their work. There was strong interest from visitors and the groups were successful in signing up new volunteers.”
The idea for Farnham in Bloom was first mooted 35 years ago and as well as winning numerous awards, it has been the driving force behind many projects which have improved the environment and contributed to Farnham being one of the best places to live. Over the years Farnham in Bloom has been the catalyst for ever improving floral displays in the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods, improved collaboration between community groups, the donation of thousands of volunteer hours, the creation of a group of 50 active volunteers who regularly litter pick around Farnham and partnerships with schools which have resulted in young people taking part in projects which help to nurture civic pride.
Farnham in Bloom 2024 is supported by Gold sponsors which include The Patio Blackspot Removal Company, BBS Ltd and Squire’s Garden Centre and Silver sponsors Zenzero, Bush Hotel, Wildflower Turf Company and the Farnham Institute Charity.
Anybody who would like to get involved in sponsoring or volunteering for Farnham in Bloom should email bloom@farnham.gov.uk to find out about future opportunities and events.
