Oxford Wood Recycling has been hosting a Community Shed over the last two months opening its workshop space to the community for collaboration, skill-sharing, and creative expression, aiming to promote inclusivity, belonging, and a common purpose among its diverse participants.
The Community Shed serves as a vibrant hub where community members unite over a shared passion for woodworking. Every fortnight on a Wednesday evening Oxford Wood Recycling has opened their shutters for enthusiasts to come and share workbenches, tools and access to help and knowledge to complete their DIY timber projects.
The first Community Shed was an overwhelming success. A massive turnout saw participants making furniture on the floor because there weren’t enough bench spaces. Tools were shared amicably and everyone left inspired, rarely empty handed.
Run with the generous support of volunteers from Oxford Wood Recycling, expert hobbyists and retired professionals the Community Shed supported participants crafting bird boxes, insect hotels, a hedgehog house, a clock, vase holders, several candle holders, a bathtub shelf, a sword display, chopping boards, and stands for books, laptops, and tablets.
The Community Shed not only helps participants gain timber knowledge and tool skills, but also serves as an intergenerational space where grandparents bring their grandchildren and father-daughter activities are commonplace. Many amazing gifts are being created for loved ones—and even for cats!
"Woodworking has generally been a solitary hobby for me. It's fantastic to be able to use and grow my skills with a community of like-minded people who share Oxford Wood Recycling's values of sustainability and inclusivity." - James, local resident.
Beyond woodworking, this initiative combats loneliness by fostering companionship, shared experiences, and a supportive community network. It's an open invitation for anyone to come by, enjoy a cup of tea, and engage in conversation. Between the busy buzz of planter making, tool chat, spoon whittling and furniture restoration, these connections provide a sense of belonging, enriching lives and strengthening the community fabric.
Alistair, a member of staff at Oxford Wood Recycling and volunteer with Community Shed wrote: “As someone who frequently experiences poor mental health, woodworking can sometimes be a source of growth and enrichment, but when I'm generally working alone it can also be a challenge to manage feelings of isolation and find a motive to keep creating. So participating in this community focused event has given a huge boost to my own feelings of self worth. As evidenced by this morning's project, it has also inspired me to get out into my workshop and throw together something simple.”
Cathrin, volunteer and project lead adds: “There's a growing need for creative community spaces, and the amazing success of the Community Shed is testament to it. I've been really surprised, a bit overwhelmed and incredibly proud of how this initiative has resonated with so many people. It's been a joy meeting all the amazing individuals who've come through our doors, each bringing their own unique projects, energy and stories. The sense of community we've built together is something very special, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it's impacting lives in such a positive way.”
"Our Community Shed initiative has received tremendous support and has quickly become a cornerstone of our community engagement efforts. It's heartening to see people from all walks of life come together, not just to learn woodworking skills, but to meet one another. The overwhelming response and positive feedback underscore the value of such inclusive and supportive spaces. " - Richard Snow, CEO, Oxford Wood Recycling.
Alistair and other keen volunteers will continue to be on hand to help you realise your DIY project after a short summer break. We hope to see you in September!
About Oxford Wood Recycling
Empowering our community through sustainable practices and inclusive employment, Oxford Wood Recycling, a social enterprise since 2005, is committed to combating wasteful consumption of timber products and supporting individuals facing employment barriers.
With a monthly average of 150 waste wood collections, we actively reduce waste and carbon emissions, redirecting unwanted wood from commercial and domestic sources away from the waste stream. Last year OWR collected over 21,000 tonnes of timber reusing almost 8000 tonnes with 13,000 tonnes being recycled. By selling and reusing the reclaimed timber, the carbon remains stored in the wood and last year 10,000 tonnes of CO2 was saved.
Through our Abingdon Wood Shop and Workshop, we transform reclaimed wood into quality furniture while supplying DIY enthusiasts and trade professionals.
Recognised for our positive impact, we offer a range of opportunities for local residents to get involved, including volunteering and courses, as well as our employability service Wood to Work, which helps those with barriers into paid employment through specialist support.
