Hedgehogs, Wellies and a Whole Lot of Heart

Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed team with the hedgehog boxes

We’ve always believed that paint can do more than just look pretty – it can help do good. So, when the fantastic team at the Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed approached us to support their latest community project, we were all ears (and paint).

 

Men’s Sheds give community spaces for people to connect, converse and create - and they’re often about a lot more than just making things. They provide a friendly, inclusive environment where members can share skills, swap stories, and work on practical projects side by side. It’s this mix of purpose and people that makes a Shed such a powerful place - supporting mental health, boosting self-esteem, and helping reduce loneliness and isolation.

 

The Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed is a shining example. Their mission this time? To build and donate handcrafted hedgehog boxes to local schools as part of a brilliant partnership with the schools across the area. Sixteen cosy, creature-friendly homes later - painted with a little help from Protek in our lovely Royal Exterior - Olive Green - are now nestled into nature areas and forest school spaces, giving pupils the chance to learn about our spiky garden visitors while giving the hedgehogs a safe new pad.

But they didn’t stop there (because, of course they didn’t). The Shed team also built three welly boot stands for Hemington Primary School - and the staff, students, and parents were over the moon. Frankly, any effort to keep mud out of the classroom deserves a standing ovation.

 

These are the kinds of projects we love: practical, full of heart, and run by people who just want to make life better for their neighbours - furry, muddy, or otherwise. We were delighted to donate the paint and play a small part in this super little project.

 

To the Men’s Shed - thank you for what you do. We’re big fans. And to the hedgehogs… enjoy the upgrade.