For the last 25 years of the 20th century we, Alan & Sylvia Williams, ran an engineering company together manufacturing industrial finishing plant for industry in the UK.
On our retirement in the year 2000, it is not surprising therefore that we chose to follow a more environmental route, and having been interested in wildlife for many years but having to work under the pressures of running a company, paying off a mortgage and raising a family, now was the time.
In April 2002 we purchased 11 acres of unimproved grassland which had three marl pits on site, one of which had formed a pond, vastly overgrown, which we have since cleared and extended, the whole area being surrounded by ancient hedgerows of some fourteen bush/tree species.
Since then we have planted 5000 broad leaf trees of 24 different varieties, dug out a half acre wetland/reed bed, installed a natural larch tree log cabin, leaving in the centre of the reserve a two and a half acre wild flower meadow.
Over the years since we have nurtured the reserve it has become a haven for over 70 different varieties of birds with our greatest success being one of natures best loved and protected raptors - The Barn Owl.
In late 2002 we installed two barn owl boxes as the habitat we were yielding was natural breeding ground for small mammals, ie. barn owl food. Soon we saw that barn owls were in evidence, but being nocturnal were rarely seen.
Created by Alan & Sylvia Williams - an oasis for barn owls in the wild.
This DVD is a ‘must have’ for any Barn Owl enthusiast, researcher or serious conservationist. How I wish it had been available when I first began my work in 1965. It answers so many questions and is an utter joy to watch - over and over again! Tony Warburton MBE
Hon. President, World Owl Trust
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria LA19 5YD
Alan & Sylvia Williams have presented over seventy talks to many Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Civic Society, Natural History and other groups.
The two talks entitled "Living with Nature" and "Living with Barn Owls in the Wild" are all based on the development and success stories at Tean Valley Nature Reserve in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside.
The evening normally consists of an opening introductory talk followed by narrated video footage and a question and answer session.
“Thank you very much indeed for your excellent talk on Wednesday. We have had marvellous feedback with everybody saying how very much they enjoyed the whole of your excellent presentation.”
“Thank you very much on behalf of all of the Chesterfield local group for a very entertaining and informative evening. Good luck with all your work on the reserve in the future.”
“The film and talk were so interesting and your enthusiasm for the whole project was inspiring. Everyone there was impressed by both your story and your presentation.”
Our fee is £50.00 plus travelling expenses of 45p/mile.
