Bisham Barn Owl Group

875. Michael Tucker

Since establishing the group in 2014, Michael has built 300 boxes, which now house over 150 barn owls. He has worked with the ‘British Trust for Ornithology’ to identify each bird so that conservationists can follow each of them throughout their lifetime. Michael also educates participant farmers and homeowners in his local area about the benefits of conservation and his non-profit and homemade owl boxes. This year he is expanding his efforts to incorporate other forms of wildlife, including kestrels, insects and hedgehogs. Additionally, Michael has an array of wider volunteering experience and regularly opens his workshop to the community, creating a haven for retired residents.

Prime Minister Theresa May, who has one of Michael’s barn owl boxes in her garden at Sonning, presented this award to Michael in her constituency of Maidenhead.

In a personal letter to Michael, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“Having one of your barn owl boxes in my own garden, I am personally familiar with the remarkable work of ‘Bisham Barn Owl Group’, and the vital support you are giving to protect wildlife in your local area. Through the boxes you build and the workshops you give, you are inspiring hundreds of people locally to get involved in conservation work.”

Michael said:

“My immediate response to the good, and surprising news, was one of great pleasure, and appreciation, for the voluntary team of ‘box boys’ who have made ‘Bisham Barn Owl Netbox Group’ what it is over the past four years. Without them and the ‘field staff’, making installations, it would never have happened. I am so pleased for the recognition of the team, as they start another year.”