Green Hive Visit

This week I had the pleasure of visiting Green Hive in Nairn. I started off at Seaman's Hall, their welcoming community hub, and finished at their workshop, where all kinds of creative projects come to life. The visit is part of my work at HTSI's Volunteer Academy, connecting with local volunteer involving organisations and celebrating the creativity, sustainability and kindness behind volunteering in our communities.

Seaman's Hall has been at the heart of Nairn's community since 1887. It was taken into community ownership by Green Hive in 2022, brining new energy into a much-loved building that has always belonged to local people.

When I arrived, Lesley, Green Hive's Volunteering Officer, kindly showed me around and shared how the space is being used for gatherings, classes and creative projects. Two dolphin sculptures are placed throughout the hall, each made from recycled materials, and there are e-bikes ready for local use in the community. Then, into the fabrics room, where volunteers work on recycling and repurposing materials. While I was there, two volunteers arrived and got to work, chatting and sharing ideas. Everyone was so welcoming, and it was easy to see how community focused Green Hive is, with exciting plans in the future.

At the Green Hive workshop, I met Andrew, the Community Workshop Projects Officer, who showed me around all their machines, including the hot press that turns waste plastic into solid, colourful sheets for furniture, birdhouses and other creations.

I also spend time with volunteer, Pearl, who is working on her own Tea House project from reclaimed materials. She spoke about how much she enjoys learning new skills and being part of a team. She described the workshop as having a "natural buzz" that "just makes you feel good".

The space was full of creativity and collaboration. Handmade birdhouses, outdoor furniture from recycled plastic and colourful sheets of repurposed material filled the workshop. What stood out most was the sense of purpose and community.

Green Hive is proof that volunteering can be creative, social and deeply rewarding. If you're curious, Green Hive run sewing circles and fabric workshops at Seaman's Hall, as well as creative sessions in the community workshop, and regular litter picks around Nairn. They're always open to new faces, whether you want to volunteer your skills, learn something new or just see how you can get involved.

They've even got their Craft Fair coming up on the 2nd November, another great way to see what community collaboration looks like in action. Whether you love, making, organising or getting outdoors, there's a place for you to join in.