2022 Project Summary - Timbershare
Timbershare was one of four big funded projects we ran this year, consisting of a series of woodworking workshops held in Harmony Woods during the summer. It was funded by the Places Called Home partnership between The National Lottery Community Fund (TNLCF) and Ikea; support from TNLCF Reaching Communities programme provided funding for officers to plan and coordinate delivery of the project.
The aims of the project were:
to use the surplus timber generated from the Cabin build to connect people to their local community woodland and ATU’s conservation work
to reduce waste and demonstrate respect for materials and resources
to encourage the sharing of skills and resources
to encourage organisations supporting vulnerable adults and young people to work in a different environment and build resilience
ATU commissioned local woodworkers - professionals and experienced amateurs - to run sessions in Harmony Woods, teaching individuals and community groups. We provided the infrastructure and support so that the session leaders could run their own workshops and develop the skills they taught. 97 people attended 10 workshops:
1 x painting on wood, following a wildflower walk
1 x stargazer chairs
1 x pyrography, twig pencils, and ‘fun with offcuts’
1 x wooden boxes
2 x treadle-lathe stools
4 x bird/bat boxes and percussion instruments (cajitas)
The project brought together diverse members of the community in a safe, supportive, and productive environment, and the workshops provided an equal and inclusive outdoor environment for all participants to enjoy.
Two local community organisations took part, and more expressed an interest in being involved in future. Andover Young Carers (AYC) brought nine young carers, aged 8-11, and support staff to take part in a bespoke workshop where the young people were guided by a professional woodworker. They were able to share resources, learn new skills, and build confidence together in our outdoor woodland setting. Amanda Kelly, the Charity Executive of AYC, said: “The young carers had a really great time, despite the weather. They got such a lot from the opportunity and were able to experience wood working with tools that most had not done before, measuring, drilling and hammering with a great end product to take home. A lovely day and would be great to do something again perhaps with a slightly older age group.” The Tidworth & Ludgershall Men’s Shed kindly lent tools for the workshops. Some of the members came along to see what was going on and supported participants, and “really enjoyed being outdoors in a woodland setting and sharing woodworking skills with other members of the local community.”
We gathered feedback from workshop leaders and participants. Everyone involved enjoyed the sessions. Here are some of the specific benefits they experienced:
Enjoyed the collaborative experience of creating together
Intergenerational sharing
Improved mental and physical wellbeing by connecting to the people and place of Harmony Woods
Felt valued and acknowledged for their unique contributions
Given enhanced connections to people and local natural environment
Raised aspirations and self-esteem through success in learning new skills
Reconnecting to the outdoors and local community post pandemic
Alleviating anxieties by bringing people back into the community together
Learning traditional woodworking skills and about sustainable forestry
Thanks to all concerned, the Timbershare project was a success, achieving its aims and having a positive impact on members of the local community. We hope to be able to develop similar events in the future. If you are interested in supporting or taking part in future workshops, please contact us at volunteers@andovertrees.org.uk .
Read the full project report here: Project Report 2022 - Timbershare
