A Keswick craftsman has created two bird boxes to be installed at a lake site to attract tawny owls when they begin nesting in March.
The team at West Cumbria Rivers Trust (WCRT) put up the boxes made by Robert Stephenson, who has a life-long passion for wildlife, last week at Longlands Lake, near Cleator Moor.
Over the years, Robert has built and installed many owl boxes, with impressive success. Most have quickly attracted tawny owls, and one even welcomed a barn owl within just two weeks. The Longlands community is excited to see if their new boxes will soon become home to these nocturnal visitors.
The boxes are made from durable larch and are built to support young owls as they grow and the key features internal cross-sections to allow young owls to climb up to the entrance, a small balcony allowing them to test their wings safely, a built-in peep hole and no harmful chemicals.
To ensure safe installation, the boxes have been secured with ratchets and safety ropes around the trees and will be monitored and maintained annually.
Robert first built an owl box 40 years ago and placed it in a fir plantation where it successfully hosted nesting owls every year – until the plantation was sadly felled. Since then, he has continued to refine his designs, tailoring them for different owl species, including a recent trial box in Penrith for the little owl.
He finds joy and purpose in creating and maintaining his owl boxes. He personally checks them each year, ensuring they remain in top condition for their feathered occupants.
“We’re so delighted with the boxes,” said Karin Crofts, WCRT’s project manager for Longlands Lake/People on the Keekle: “We got to know Robert through Ian Creighton, our project advisor, and couldn’t believe it when we found out he makes these extraordinary boxes.
“You just can’t buy this sort of quality and tailored design. They are simply not available, and the design has been informed by his experience over 40 years, and his passion for these beautiful birds. If we’re successful in attracting owls, we’re hoping to create lots of fabulous community events around these fascinating creatures”.
