Cumbria craftsman builds 50 owl boxes after social media post

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

A Keswick craftsman has built more than 50 owl boxes following public interest sparked by a social media post.

Robert Stephenson, a Keswick craftsman, has built more than 50 owl boxes in a growing community conservation effort that began in February 2025. The project took off after West Cumbria Rivers Trust posted about Stephenson on social media, prompting numerous requests from across Cumbria.

Stephenson began making the boxes after being forced to leave his job following a cancer diagnosis. He now crafts boxes for tawny, barn and little owls, charging only for materials, labour and petrol. He personally installs each box and advises on placement, recommending quiet areas with clear flight paths and minimal night-time disturbance. One box in Portinscale attracted two healthy tawny chicks just six weeks after installation.

The boxes help fill a gap in natural nesting sites, which are becoming increasingly scarce due to the loss of mature, hollow trees vital for owl habitats. Stephenson said the public response had been 'amazing' and he has received photo updates from across the county. Landowners and residents can contact him by email or phone to arrange boxes.

How it is being reported

• Social media post inspires Cumbria craftsman to build more than 50 owl boxesMore than 50 owl boxes have been installed thanks to a growing community-led conservation effort.News & Star · 20 Oct, 11:45
• Social media post inspires Cumbria craftsman to build more than 50 owl boxesMore than 50 owl boxes have been installed thanks to a growing community-led conservation effort.Whitehaven News · 20 Oct, 11:45

In this story: Robert Stephenson · West Cumbria Rivers Trust · Cumbria · Keswick · Longlands Lake · Cleator Moor · Portinscale

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