Bolton: Northstone teams up with Men in Sheds project

Developer Northstone - which is behind the Silkash and Airie estates in Westhoughton and Over Hulton - and teamed with the organisation which brings men together socially.

The company donates wood offcuts, the members recycle them to encourage wildlife and their communities more attractive.

Northstone senior development manager Berni Barry said: “Our partnership with Men in Sheds is a fantastic way to reduce waste from our site and welcome wildlife into our community, making our Silkash and Airie communities more sustainable whilst also supporting local wildlife and biodiversity.

“The work that the men at the Men in Sheds the group do is brilliant.

Northstone is behind the Silkash development (Image: Northstone)

“The well-made, sturdy creations they produce are putting the recycled wood from our sites to good use as bird boxes, benches, planters and other features that will be cherished by residents.

“On top of this it has been brilliant to see how the Men in Sheds group provides an opportunity to support each other and build connections, whilst putting their handy skills to use.”

Northstone has said that it aims to use initiatives like these reduce waste from its building process, while Men in Sheds aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

The group has six projects underway across Bolton at Breightmet, Tonge Moor, Willow Hey, Johnson Fold and on Oldhams Estate providing places for men to come together, pursue their practical interests and interact socially.

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Men in Sheds Bolton supervisor Gav Isherwood said: “The men in our groups are really talented and have so much to offer with their skills in woodwork and carpentry.

“But more than this, our groups provide an opportunity for men to come together, spend time with each other and develop valuable connections, something that is often missing in today’s society.

He added: “Not only do we get a free supply of raw materials that would otherwise have gone to waste for our men to turn into fantastic creations, working with the teams at Silkash and Airie means we also get to see the local community enjoying the finished products we have made when we hand it over.”