Cross-border conservation project brings farmers and Men’s Sheds together for barn owls
Farmers and Men’s Shed members from both sides of the border are joining forces to help create a brighter future for the barn owl, one of the countryside’s most iconic birds and a red-listed species on the island of Ireland. Barn Owls Across Borders, a new community conservation project led by West Fermanagh Farmers Cluster, will bring around 40 participants from Fermanagh, Cavan and Leitrim together for a year-long programme of practical learning and community activities.
The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and will involve around 10 organisations across six shared events.
Working alongside conservation specialists, participants will learn about barn owl ecology and farmland habitat, build purpose-designed nest boxes, and help establish new nesting opportunities at carefully assessed farm locations.
The project, which is being delivered in partnership with Fermanagh Trust, will also draw upon the practical skills and community networks of local Men’s Sheds.
By bringing together farmers’ knowledge of the land, Men’s Shed members’ practical skills and conservationists’ specialist expertise, the initiative will use barn owl conservation as a shared purpose through which people can meet, learn and build lasting relationships across communities and borders.
Participants will take part in practical activities ranging from habitat training and nest-box construction to specialist site assessment and on-farm installation.
Peter Gallagher, project coordinator with West Fermanagh Farmers Cluster, said: “Barn owls don’t recognise borders, and the challenges facing rural communities don’t stop at them either.
“This project gives farmers, Men’s Shed members and conservation specialists a practical reason to come together, share what they know and create something with lasting value for both wildlife and local people.
“Farmers and other rural residents possess practical skills, knowledge of the landscape and the capacity to lead meaningful conservation work.
“In return, shared environmental projects can bring people together, create new connections and give communities a tangible common purpose.”
Lauri McCusker, director of The Fermanagh Trust, said: "The Fermanagh Trust is delighted to support Barn Owls Across Borders. By involving local Men’s Sheds in constructing nesting boxes, we connect environmental conservation with meaningful community development.
“This project beautifully demonstrates how shared practical activity can build confidence, foster teamwork, and help reduce rural and social isolation. Working collaboratively over the course of the initiative ensures participants and cross-border communities gain much more than a protected environment; they build lasting relationships, share vital skills, and develop a deep, purposeful connection that strengthens community cohesion for the future."
The Barn Owls Across Borders project will be officially launched at Fermanagh House, Enniskillen, on Friday, September 18.
The evening will begin at 7:30pm and will include contributions from farming, conservation and community partners; a special screening of barn owl footage; audience discussion about conservation and rural community life; light-hearted owl challenges; and a light supper.
The event is free and open to the public, but places are strictly limited and must be reserved in advance on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve a place, email Angus at [email protected].
Barn Owls Across Borders is a project supported by PEACEPLUS; a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).