Pupils at Newchurch St Nicholas CE Primary School are celebrating after volunteers built a brand-new outdoor learning space to help them grow their own food. The team from Rossendale Men's Shed designed and installed bespoke raised planters and potting benches inside a new polytunnel, made possible through a generous donation of timber from Jewson Accrington.
Practical Skills and Teamwork
The outdoor area will allow children to learn practical skills, teamwork, and an appreciation for nature. Kris Corps, project coordinator, said: "Projects like this remind us exactly why Rossendale Men's Shed exists. Yes, we've built planters and potting benches, but what we've really built is an opportunity. An opportunity for children to get outdoors, learn new skills, work together and experience the pride that comes from growing something with their own hands."
Community Impact
Corps added: "Our members have taken enormous pride in this project. Many of the lads have faced challenges of their own, so being able to give something back to the next generation means a great deal to every one of us." To celebrate the completion, pupils presented the volunteers with a thank-you cheque to help fund future community initiatives.
"When the children presented us with the cheque, it genuinely meant a lot to all of us," Corps said. "It wasn't about the money—it was about knowing the children and staff appreciated what the lads had achieved. Moments like that remind us why we volunteer and why we keep saying yes to projects like this."
Rossendale Men's Shed
The local group, based at Haslingden Community Link, offers a friendly space where people can learn skills, improve their wellbeing, and make new friends. Corps continued: "Community projects like this don't happen by accident. They happen because local people, schools and businesses believe in working together. We'd like to say a huge thank you to Mark and everyone at Jewson Accrington for their continued generosity and support. Their timber doesn't just help us build planters; it helps us build opportunities for people of all ages. We're also incredibly grateful to everyone at Newchurch St Nicholas CE Primary School for welcoming us and allowing our members to play a small part in creating something that the children will hopefully enjoy for many years to come."
How to Get Involved
Anyone interested in joining or supporting the group can find more details on the Rossendale Men's Shed social media pages or by visiting Haslingden Community Link. The project has benefited pupils in Newchurch, Bacup, Rawtenstall, and Haslingden.
