SPRING has sprung at a charity enterprise in Blackbird Leys where volunteers have worked day and night on a huge order for the BBC.

Over the past two months volunteers and staff at Pathway Workshop, Dunnock Way, have created 1,200 wooden bird boxes for the popular Springwatch programme.

The contract was won for the workshop by ThriveResponse, a partnership with mental health charity Response co-ordinating work at the site ahead of a full rebrand.

Response CEO John McLaughlin said the team had been awarded the contract at the beginning of March.

He said: "They came to visit us and wanted several different prototypes – they were looking at two or three private companies and we had to be able to compete.

"The lads were absolutely amazed. It was a huge order and they were staying over when they were due to go home to make sure it was completed."

Since its inception in 1992 the workshop has employed people with physical and learning disabilities, and those facing addiction or mental health problems.

From its base in the Leys everything from garden furniture to chopping boards, pens and iPad stands is created from recycled wood - although projects were put on hold to complete the Springwatch order.

About nine paid staff and six volunteers currently work at the site.

The vast order of bird boxes will feature in the new TV series, the first episode of which aired last Monday, and will also be available at national retailers.

Mr McLaughlin said: "I think it revitalised the guys a bit and they are really proud of what they've done.

"The fact that they're making it for a national organisation gave them some credibility.

"Even those who have limited ability there was a part in the process for, from stuff that's quite technical to packing the boxes and getting the labels."

It is hoped that Pathway and ThriveResponse will take on more high-volume orders, including other animal habitats such as hedgehog homes and bat boxes, later this year.

More volunteers are being sought to help out over the coming months, particularly those who are retired and could spend one or two days a week passing on their skills to others.

Roles are available across the workshop, from running reception to packing and labelling to skilled carpentry work.

Thrive MD Rick Mower said: "We’re chuffed to bits to have won this work. It shows that a local Oxford enterprise can compete on quality and price in a global marketplace but also demonstrates that you shouldn’t judge people by their background."

For more information or to get involved with projects at the workshop call 01865 714111.