Parkhurst residents aim to make the suburb an ideal site for owls
PARKHURST – The Owl Box Programme aims to make Parkhurst the first poison-free suburb.
The Parkhurst Village Residents and Business Owners Association is working on an Owl Box Programme to provide owl boxes in Parkhurst and make it a poison-free community.
The association hopes to encourage residents to have owl boxes installed which will encourage the night time creatures to live in the neighbourhood which would reduce the use of poisons to eradicate rodents. This, in turn, can have a negative impact on various other animals. A discussion about the initiative will be hosted at the Parkhurst Recreation Centre on 9 December.
Lize Hough and her husband Jacques, have been working on the environmental portfolio for the association and thought that the owl box initiative would be beneficial to the community.
“The main aim of the initiative is to make Parkhurst the first poison free suburb,” said Hough. “Because the suburb is small we feel it will be a good place to start. Our plan is to put up 20 owl boxes.”
EcoSolutions, who run an owl box project, will give residents a detailed explanation of what the owl boxes entail, as they are a long-term commitment. The owl programme proves to be beneficial in reducing rodents in suburbs.
“I’m passionate about the community and I think the programme will also be a way of drawing everyone closer and getting involved. I think each of us should take responsibility for the environment.”
Sara Orchardson of EcoSolutions explained that because Parkhurst was an old suburb with lots of established trees, it was an ideal place for owl boxes and there were many trees in the suburb which would suit owls.
The owl boxes may not immediately attract owls, however, they are a safe and suitable breeding ground for spotted eagle owls and barn owls. Ideal locations would be near the Braamfontein Spruit and in Verity Park.
The discussion about the programme and its requirements will take place from 9am and will cover all the necessary information residents need.
Do you have an owl box in your garden? Share your experience on WhatsApp 079 439 5345
Read:
ICYMI: Resident owl and her baby are ringed
