Most people visited the new Shed Space at Ferry Walk in Abingdon earlier in the morning. I arrived just after midday, during a quieter spell.

Someone was explaining bike maintenance, while others were inside the shed furnishing it. A representative from the Vale of White Horse District Council’s Active Communities team was also present, offering coffee and cake and taking details from people interested in getting involved. Active Communities run a range of projects that promote activity and wellbeing, including the nature trails around South Abingdon.

The painted sea container, beside the shed, was decorated by young people from the DAMASCUS Youth Project. The mural includes a hedgehog and a dragonfly, both used as symbols on the local nature trails. Inside were bicycles donated through the Ride Revolution scheme. These bikes have been refurbished and will be given to families or individuals in need.

The Shed Space offers a place for woodwork and metalwork, bike maintenance, and other hands-on activities. Its name is a play on Headspace: supporting mental wellbeing through practical activity, but in a shed.

The site was previously overgrown and derelict and has now been cleared. There are plans for the area in front of the shed to be marked out so children can learn road safety away from traffic.