Shed Happens — Island Roads Tackles Pigeon Poop Problem At Classic Boat Museum

Island Roads has come to the rescue of the Classic Boat Museum in Cowes, clearing years of pigeon mess from an 11,000 sq ft boatshed.

The shed, once overrun by birds, can now be used to store more of the museum’s collection of classic boats.

Volunteers in their 70s had struggled with the cleaning, prompting the museum to call in Island Roads’ Lee Jones and Kev Conway, who spent a full day tackling the task with the help of a mechanical sweeper.

Michael Loftus, a museum trustee, said:

“With our team of older volunteers, it was impossible to tackle on our own. Island Roads did an excellent job – the original markings from the engineering works are now visible for the first time in years.”

An Island Roads spokesperson added:

“It was a pretty messy job, but Lee and Kev worked hard all day and we’re thrilled to have helped.”

With the shed now ship-shape, the museum can store more exhibits not on main display, supporting its mission to preserve boats designed, built, or sailed in the Solent.

The museum also runs educational programmes for schools and community engagement activities.

Founded in 1996, the Classic Boat Museum has grown to hold 100 boats, 60 on display, alongside a vast collection of maritime artefacts and archives.

Volunteers with skills in woodworking, metalworking, or general help around the yard are always welcome.

More information is available at classicboatmuseum.com.