Operation Osprey

Tuesday 21 September

Since the buildings at Wallcliffe House were destroyed by fire in 2011 there have been no permanent residents on site, except that is, for a pair of Osprey who made their nest in the ruins of the chimney in the Winter of 2018.

Now, with the planning scheme amendment approved and work commencing on the development application, the next stage of the redevelopment is the deconstruction and salvage of materials from the ruins.

But what about the Ospreys?  The Landsmith Collection team started a consultation process with wildlife and bird experts to devise a solution that would deliver the best outcome for the pair, and Operation Osprey was commenced to relocate the nest to a new site within the property.

The Landsmith Collection CEO, Chris Furtado said, “To enable the new nest platform to be created a development application and building permit were required.  Both were considered a “first” by the Shire’s planning team and ours.”

A new location and design for the nest platform were determined along with a detailed plan for the relocation and careful handling of the nest.  The new location is near the original nest site.  It is clear of any other tree line to prevent feral animals from attacking the nest during breeding season and to ensure that the birds are not disrupted from their day-to-day habits of fishing, eating, sleeping, and raising their young.

“It was an incredible experience, I have to say.  To see the pair return to the nest in its new location and settle comfortably into the environment was celebrated by all of us at the end of a long and very rewarding day,” said Chris.

The Landsmith Collection consulted with representatives of the Undalup Association on design, location and timing, and they also supervised the minor excavation works required to install the pole for the new platform.  Other people consulted on the project are listed below and we thank them for their commitment to this small but significant project.  Operation Osprey was successfully executed in mid-September. See images attached.

Consultation on methodology, design and location was sort from the following subject matter experts:

· Kirsten Knox – Emerge Associates (Senior Environmental Consultant)

· Phil Payne – Eagles Heritage Margaret River (Owner)

· Christine Wilder – Convenor – Cape to Cape Bird Group (a regional group of Bird Life WA)

· Marcus Singor – Retired Bird Enthusiast and Wildlife expert 

· Brad Goode – Brad Goode & Associates Pty Ltd (Managing Director/Anthropologist)  

Please direct any queries through the Contact page.