The Dusty Shed, a local charity for mainly lonely and isolated older men, has taken on a community project to build large wooden planters and bird boxes for primary schools in the area, fostering a deeper connection between generations and building community resilience from the ground up. Through funding from the National Lottery, The Dusty Shed has been looking to build local partnerships and strengthen its community ties, invest collective skills into the community, and continue to tackle loneliness and isolation through teamwork for older people.
Partnering with Landsdowne Primary, Pencaerau Primary and Nant Caerau Primary schools, The Dusty shed has built 12 planters, as well as 12 bird box kits for community members. These planters and bird boxes are more than just garden fixtures; they are gateways to hands-on learning. With access to large wood planters, children in the local primary schools gain the chance to plant, nurture, and grow vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Gardening offers children a unique connection to the natural world, teaching them valuable lessons about life cycles, sustainability, as well as incorporating growing and gardening skills, learning to nurture not only plants but also their own understanding of responsibility and care.
The bird box kits crafted by The Dusty Shed bring another layer of nature closer to the classroom. They invite local birds to nest on school grounds, providing students the opportunity for the children to observe and learn about wildlife firsthand. The bird boxes are made as ‘kits’, allowing the children to build the boxes themselves. Up to 15 children at Pencaerau Primary enjoyed constructing the bird boxes, as well as decorating them!
The Dusty Shed’s collaboration with local schools also strengthens community connections. This project encourages schools, families, and community members to all come together with a shared purpose of enriching children’s education and fostering a green space. The handmade planters and bird boxes in school are a reminder of the collective care invested in the younger generation’s future and connect them with nature locally. These planters and bird boxes represent community resilience, with young people understanding that members of their own community invested time and care to make something just for them, and so they’re more likely to carry that community-minded spirit forward, illustrating the power of giving back.
For members of The Dusty Shed, this project provides a productive outlet for members to hone their woodworking skills while working toward a positive purpose. It gives these individuals—many of whom are retirees or people looking for purposeful engagement—an avenue to stay active and mentally stimulated while learning new techniques.
The project also nurtures the well-being of Shed members, helping to combat feelings of isolation by making connections with like-minded peers. Working together on shared goals can have a profound impact on their sense of belonging and achievement. The Dusty Shed believes in team-building and collaborative activities, helping members strengthen their social bonds, providing an atmosphere where they can share stories, pass on knowledge, and support each other.
The Dusty Shed hopes its work goes beyond the physical planters and bird boxes it produces. They are tangible representations of what can be achieved when individuals come together with the common goal of enriching their community.
As more primary schools embrace gardening and wildlife projects, with the help of local groups like The Dusty Shed, the lasting benefits to both pupils and community members will continue to grow, carrying forward skills in sustainability and responsibility, feeling connected and valued. The wider community will see the positive impact of investing in each other, as well as cultivating a community spirit that will last for years to come.
If your school or community organisation is interested in commissioning planters, bird boxes or other wood items, get in touch. Please call the Dusty Shed on 07395 414683, or go to our website contact form page and send a message.
