DIY skills take flight as Tullow Men’s Shed hosts birdbox workshop
Luke Doyle, Isse Seliwso and PJ Nolan from Tullow Men's Shed show sisters Adelle and Vera Minchin how to make birdboxes
RATHER than the traditional PowerPoint presentation event, participants in the workshop at Ballykealy House Hotel, Ballon on Wednesday 8 April had the opportunity to drill a birdbox for their community, with help from Tullow Men’s Shed members.
Out of the approximately 50 people attending the event run by Carlow Co Council, 20 adults and children joined in the birdbox-making class. Many of them said they had never held a drill before, said Frank Morris of Tullow Men’s Shed.
Under the direction of seven shed members and using tools and materials they had brought, the participants made 12 houses designed for robins and house sparrows, a couple of bat boxes and window boxes, too. The boxes were distributed through a free raffle afterwards.
“There’s nothing better than a tree for a bird to build a nest in, but a birdbox is the next best thing,” said Frank. But going the extra step and making one is “better than going to Woodies and buying one,” Frank noted cheerfully.
The first-of-its kind workshop received great feedback, said Frank, with many people asking them to organise similar events in towns and villages around the county. “A lot of people have lost the knack of DIY, so there is a niche market there, but we would be doing it for a community spirit thing rather than a profit thing. It was a learning experience for us.”
is a local authority initiative showcasing projects by community and voluntary groups that have created a long-lasting impact in their community. The groups will go head to head in a competition on 11 November, where their initiatives will be judged across five categories: best photograph/social media project, best educational institute project, best circular economy project, best habitats creation project and best community garden project.
