We started the year by thinking about owls.  Al had made 2 owl boxes a year ago and we had never got around to putting them anywhere.  One of our key aims with Carmel is to attract wildlife and providing nesting sites for owls was high on our list.  We have several large, mature trees at the rear of the plot and these were ideal for siting the boxes.  Unfortunately, they were covered in ivy and in need of a trim.  The boxes needed to provide a clear line of flight for the owls to consider them.

Over the course of 3 Saturdays we set about clearing the area and attempting to site the box.  Several ladders, saws and lots of patience got us to the point where we had a clear site and Al had fixed battens to the trunk, next up was securing the box in position.  This was harder than it looked, we needed safe positions for the ladders and some way of hoisting the box into position.  After a couple of hours on a very windy day (not the best idea), during which  we tried and failed repeatedly to get the box into position safely, we realised we needed a better plan.

The following week we were saved by Ryan and a telehandler.  Despite having to cut through our rabbit fence to make way for the machine, it was worth it, as within 20 minutes the box was in place and, more importantly, Al was safely back on terra firma.  Thank you Ryan and Emily for helping us in our hour of need!

We have yet to see any of our feathered friends but we are hopeful that they will take up residence in the near future.