Choose your wood: Choose a 6in x 1in plank of suitable untreated wood for the bird box. As seen in the picture, the Men’s Shed use white deal because of its availability, but there are other timbers suitable for the job, such as larch. The wood should not be treated so as not to interfere with the welfare of the animal when it is inside the box. The bird boxes should be made similar to the design set out by the Department.
Cut the wood to measure: Use a hand or bench saw to cut the plank into the required measurements. As seen in the photograph, sample measurements that the Men’s Shed use are as follows: top – 220mm; sides – 480mm; front – 205mm; bottom – made to measure. Sides of the box will be cut at a 15-degree angle to accommodate the slant of the roof. The edge of the roof will also be cut at a 15-degree angle so as to create a close, waterproof contact between it and the back.
Bore the hole for the entrance: Using a bench drill with a spade bit or a hand drill, bore the hole for the bird entrance on the front piece of wood. Dimensions for this are between 25mm and 32mm depending on the bird being catered for.
According to BirdWatch Ireland, the most suitable target species would be the house sparrow, which has a close association with farming and uses a large 32mm hole.
This hole will also need to be 100mm from the base so that other animals, such as cats, cannot interfere with the birds.
Assembly: To assemble the box, nail the pieces of wood in place temporarily. The men have created a mould to place the wooden pieces on to make this process easier. Finally, screw each of the pieces together to create the final, more rigid bird box. Boxes should then be placed at least 2.5m off the ground with the entrance facing north or northeast. Each box should be hung tilted slightly forward to drain excess moisture and at a rate of one box per post, tree or wall.
A 12-15mm slot will need to be allowed on the bottom piece of the box to allow the bats to enter. This will remove the need to have a hole on the front piece when compared with a bird box. Bat boxes should be placed at a minimum of 4m off the ground and in poorly lit areas independent of branches and obstacles.
One side of the back piece of wood will need to be grooved in its entirety. This will give the bats something to grip onto and facilitate their sleeping patterns. This can be done using a saw. Boxes should then be placed in groups of three and not exceed a total of 15 across the farm. These must each face in different directions on the tree, post or building.
A rebate is needed between the roof and the back piece. This is a ridge carved into the back piece of wood that will create a waterproof seal between it and the roof. A completely waterproof environment is required in the box for the comfort of the bat.
*Remember to keep the boxes away from public roads and mark the location of each on the map, leaving them to remain in the same position for the duration of the contract.