How often do you come across a fairly nondescript, once weatherbeaten barn, that has undergone a transformation inside, with a fantastic mural covering three walls, depicting the wildlife on Horsell Common?

And how did it come about? Being tucked away in a field was part of its attraction.

Jack Smith, of Surrey County Council’s Green Health and Wellbeing programme, and Paul Downes and Jeremy Dalton of Horsell Common Preservation Society (HCPS), have been working together since 2025 with the aim of creating a quality, dedicated and private green space where local community groups and voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations could offer activities and services.

For some, joining a group in a busy public building can be difficult. Raes’ Barn provides a quieter alternative where groups can meet with privacy and connect with nature at a pace that suits them.

It took several months to renovate, insulate and decorate the barn but its plain white walls looked functional and were crying out for something more than posters stuck on with drawing pins.

Jack had the idea of a mural, painted on three sides of the barn. This might sound crazy, but it was inspirational and, driven by his energy and enthusiasm, the project came to life.

Several artists from Surrey Hills Art submitted their portfolios and ideas, and biodiversity artist Sally Ferguson was selected. This led to a partnership with Shifa Network.

Shifa supports women’s emotional and physical wellbeing through a diverse programme of activities, English classes and counselling, alongside a weekly “drop in” where women can build social networks.

In May, Sally spent several days starting the background landscapes of heathland, woodland and meadowland, and collecting natural materials and images before the Shifa ladies arrived.

By then, the tables in the barn had been set out with brushes and paints and, with Sally’s guidance, birds, flowers, reptiles and insects started to emerge amongst the trees and grasses already painted on the wall.

Painting the mural gave some women the chance to re-engage with art and their own creativity. They found the experience relaxing and healing, to be in nature and making new connections with other women. The group walk on the common was therapeutic, observing and engaging with nature.

The work was finished in June. It is a remarkable mural which truly captures the feeling of Horsell Common and its wildlife.

You are invited to come and see this remarkable mural. See how many of the 120 species you can spot. Come and meet the artist, Sally Ferguson.

Jack Smith will be there to tell you about the green hub and Surrey’s Green Health and Wellbeing programme.

Paul Downes, chair of HCPS, and Jeremy Dalton will be there to chat about the opportunities offered by Raes’ Barn, which is available for local charities and community groups free of charge.

The Raes’ Barn open afternoon is on Thursday, 12 November, from 1-2pm and 2-3pm. Contact [email protected] to book your visit.

For further information about this green hub, contact [email protected]