Volunteering – Swanage.co.uk

Fancy discovering a new hobby or rekindling an old favourite pastime in a beautiful, natural setting?

The Shed at Durlston Country Park is a great way to try out skills like woodworking, arts & crafts and gardening, whilst meeting other like-minded people in this fantastic community work base.

Sign on The Shed at Durlston made out of scrap metal — The Shed at Durlston

The Shed is nestled in the trees, just past the woodland entrance to the Park, on Lighthouse Road.

The Shed is fully accessible and is open to all ages. It’s especially popular with people with disabilities, long-term health problems and dementia.

There’s always a team of friendly and helpful volunteers on hand to support whatever projects are happening. Even if you don’t fancy trying one of the activities, it’s a lovely place to sit and soak up a bit of nature and socialise for a couple of hours.

With a fully equipped workshop inside the shed, a healthy supply of tea, coffee and biscuits on hand, and a garden area including raised beds and a greenhouse, there’s something for everyone at Durlston’s shed.

Items made at the shed are often sold in the shop in Durlston Castle.

Sensory boxes in progress at Durlston Country Park's The Shed, — Sensory boxes being made in the workshop

Inside the workshop at The Shed, Durlston Country Park — Tool station inside shed

Man holding whittled work of leaf and mouse cheese board at Durlston Country Park — Carving skills

Carved mouse on cheese board and leaf, Durlston Country Park — Carved leaf necklace and mouse cheese board

Sample woodworking pieces on display at The Shed, — Examples of what you can make at The Shed

Durlston Country Park's volunteer shed garden area — Raised beds

Painted 'Plant Sale' sign outside the volunteer shed at Durlston Country Park — Pick up a plant bargain

Greenhouse and raised flowerbed in volunteer area of Durlston Country Park — See what’s growing in the garden

Welcome blackboard for coffee and a chat at The Shed, Durlston Country Park — Pop in for a cup of tea & a biscuit

Pots in the garden area of the Shed at Durlston Country Park — The Shed’s garden

Wooden leaf carved by a participant of the Durlston Shed group — You can buy handmade gifts by members of The Shed at Durlston’s shop

View of the Shed at Durlston's volunteering area in the woods — Outside The Shed

Timings

There are various regular meeting times for different activities at The Shed, as well as Monday morning sessions for students from local schools.

Cuppa & Chat – Pop to The Shed for an informal meet-up with a friendly bunch of people, Mondays, 2pm – 4pm
Help a Ranger – Lend a hand with some fun DIY projects around the park, including painting and craftwork, Tuesdays 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Shed meet-up – Have a go at woodwork, gardening or arts & crafts, led by ‘Lead Sheddies’, Wednesdays 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Gardening Club – Join the group in tending to The She’d veg patch, plants and flowers – produce is sold at the plant stall to help with fundraising, Fridays 2pm – 4pm

Check out how you could learn a new skill or contribute to Durlston’s conservation in this short video:

Timings

Follow Us

Quick Links