At Trowbridge Service Users Group, we’re always looking for creative ways to make our garden space more welcoming, soothing, and connected to nature. Recently, we were kindly donated two Butler sinks, and rather than simply planting them up, we decided to upcycle them into something special: a two-level water feature.
Why a Water Feature?
Water has long been associated with peace and relaxation. Studies show that spending time near water—sometimes called “blue space”—can help lower stress, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mood. The sound of flowing water has been proven to slow the heart rate and promote feelings of calm, while watching ripples and reflections can encourage mindfulness.
For people managing mental health challenges, having easy access to calming natural spaces is vital. According to research from the Mental Health Foundation, being in or near nature can boost self-esteem, reduce feelings of isolation, and even lessen symptoms of depression. Adding water to a garden helps bring those benefits right into our community space.
Building the Feature
We started by sealing the plugholes of both sinks. A small water pump now connects the bottom sink to the top, creating a constant flow. To encourage a gentle waterfall, we cut a groove into the top sink using an angle grinder. The water then spills gracefully down into the lower basin, producing the soothing sound of running water.
To finish the design, we decorated the feature with stones, mosaic tiles, and a variety of water plants. Over time, we plan to introduce small fish, which will add even more life and movement to the display.
Nature is Already Responding
One of the most exciting parts of this project has been seeing how quickly nature has responded. Almost immediately, we welcomed our first visitor—a Speckled Bush-cricket (Leptophyes punctatissima). These little encounters remind us how even small interventions can make a difference in supporting local biodiversity.
Water feature
A Space to Breathe
This upcycled water feature is more than just a garden decoration—it’s a resource for wellbeing. It offers a space where people can pause, listen to the gentle flow, and reconnect with themselves and the natural world.
At Trowbridge Service Users Group, we believe that creating small, meaningful environments like this helps foster resilience, reduce isolation, and bring people together. Sometimes, it only takes the sound of trickling water to remind us to slow down and breathe.
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