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Owl-some art for Anglesey's fens!

As part of our Corsydd Calon Môn project protecting and promoting Anglesey’s special fen sites, we are always looking for ways to bring people closer to the unique landscapes and wildlife of the Anglesey fens. Our latest activity does just that—combining art, community creativity, and wildlife conservation in one beautiful initiative.

Thanks to funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the National Lottery Heritage Fund—made possible by National Lottery players—we have created something truly special: a hand-decorated owl box displaying the artistic talents of Anglesey’s young people.

How children’s art became an owl box 

The journey began at our Corsydd Calon Môn stalls at the Anglesey Show 2024 and Llangefni Food Festival in October. Families stopped by to learn about the project, and children and young people took part in an art activity. Armed with felt tips, colouring pencils, and postcards, they drew what the Anglesey fens meant to them. From majestic barn owls and dragonflies to swaying reeds and flowers, their imagination brought the fens to life. Some children even imagined how an owl might like its nest box decorated—dreaming up cosy, artistic designs that would make any bird feel at home! 

A scattered arrangement of children's drawings on a table, featuring various nature-themed illustrations such as owls, mice, snails, and flowers. The images show vibrant colors and imaginative designs created during a creative activity session.

NWWT Neil Dunsire

Supporting conservation efforts on Anglesey 

The box was crafted by The Owl Box, a local Anglesey business near Llangaffo. For over 20 years, The Owl Box has been designing nest boxes to support their wildlife rescue efforts. Every purchase helps care for their rescued birds of prey, ensuring a second chance for wildlife in need.  

The designs were added to the owl box by the talented pyrography artist Ginny West, who is also one of our Nature Reserves Placement Students. The result? A one-of-a-kind nest box that’s not only functional but also celebrates the creativity of our community. 

Neil Dunsire and Robin Lomas standing outside in front of a light-colored brick wall, smiling at the camera. They are showcasing a plain wooden owl box, designed for conservation purposes, which Robin’s company, The Owl Box, created. Robin is wearing a red and black plaid jacket, while Neil is wearing a North Wales Wildlife Trust jacket. The owl box sits on a small ledge beside them.

NWWT Neil Dunsire

A new home for nature 

The decorated owl box will soon be installed at an Anglesey fen site, providing a safe and welcoming home for owls. Thanks to a solar-powered camera inside, we hope to share live footage of the box if it becomes occupied—offering our followers a unique window into the life of these special birds. 

We are so grateful to our funders, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and National Lottery Heritage Fund and to everyone who visited our stalls and contributed their artwork. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates about the owl box - let’s hope an owl family will call it home soon! 

Two individuals, Neil Dunsire and Ginny West, standing indoors and holding a beautifully pyrography-decorated owl box. Both are smiling, showcasing the completed project. The background features posters and informational displays related to nature and wildlife conservation.

NWWT Reece Halstead

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