There have very probably been owls across Glen Goyle over the years.
And along the Glen over the last weeks, there have been discussions with and site visits by the Devon Wildlife Trust, who have advised the group on how to progress with putting up bird boxes – including which sites and which trees would be ideal.
FOGG has also been working with the Barn Owl Trust, who have also visited the Glen with suggestions of positions for boxes – and with specific advice on these magnificent birds.
And now during yesterday morning, all of this came together – with huge thanks to all involved.
Firstly, FOGG member John McGregor established contact with the Barn Owl Trust and with potential funding for a box.
Steve and Sally Jellyman were able to come forward to gift this quite substantial owl box, as recommended by the Trust – and to have it properly delivered to Sidmouth.
And lastly, John got in touch with the District Council’s tree team who were then able to find a slot to come by and install the owl box in the appropriate spot along the Glen.
As John reports:
“Steve said how important it is for us to do all we can to aid wildlife and his daughter, who works for the Barn Owl Trust, is delighted with her mum and dad’s donation which should encourage Tawny owls in Glen Goyle.
We are more likely, so I’m advised, to attract Tawny owls because of the habitat. The box is designed to accommodate different breeds.
The Tree Team have suggested installing a tree-cam, so we’ll investigate progressing that.
The bat boxes arrived today, so they are the next species to be encouraged to the Glen…”
Below are some of the photos taken by John over the course of Monday morning’s work.
Steve and Sally Jellyman arrive with the owl box – a substantial piece of woodwork as you can see:
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Here we see the box being installed – and as can be seen, four members of the team are needed, as the box is big and heavy and needs two to fix to the tree, with two down below to make sure colleagues are safe.
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Nathan and his team gather beneath the box:
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With huge thanks to FOGG steering group and working party member John McGregor for organising the whole enterprise:
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