Growing together with Creative Shed
Here at Stroud Valleys Project, we work right across the district to connect people to nature in a way that works for them.
For some of our volunteers, that means getting around the district planting trees, digging wildlife ponds, or removing invasive species as and when such activity is required.
Other volunteers suit a more structured session… and Creative Shed, based in Cashes Green to the west of Stroud town, provides structure and routine while still giving volunteers the space to grow and to learn new skills.
Space to grow
Creative Shed is set in the grounds of the Beeches, an adult care facility, and staff and volunteers from Stroud Valleys Project have absolutely transformed this area, which was once overgrown and covered in weeds and brambles.
Today, the site features raised beds and a large polytunnel where volunteers grow fruit and vegetables from seed, as well as a thriving workshop.
Making homes for wildlife
Creative Shed is a drop-in group, so people can come for one or two sessions if they want to, but there is a core of regular volunteers who have really got into their stride as the project has gone on.
Our Creative Shed volunteers prosper thanks to the person-centred, asset-based approach taken by SVP, and they take real pride in their woodworking and carpentry skill; cutting, fixing and finishing bird boxes for a range of specific species as well as Hedgehog houses and insect homes.
In this video, Creative Shed project officer Richard talks a little bit about the resources available to the volunteers, who have a range of abilities and needs.
Hard at work
If you drop into Creative Shed on a Tuesday morning or afternoon, you’ll find a hive of activity.
This video was taken in July 2025 and shows some of the volunteers in action with power tools!
To find out more about this and other SVP projects, visit our Projects page.
If you’d like to donate to ensure Creative Shed continues to support people to make new friends and learn new skills, visit our Donation page.
This project was previously funded by the Barnwood Trust.