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The AonixAviary Project at Brockswood Animal Sanctuary

  • Writer: Dylan Jones
    Dylan Jones
  • Aug 12, 2025
  • 8 min read

Updated: Jan 22

Meriden the owl in his new aviary, pictured in May 2025.
Meriden the owl in his new aviary, pictured in May 2025.

From August 2024 to May 2025 and as part of Aonix Limited’s ongoing support to Brockswood Animal Sanctuary, a dedicated team of volunteers partnered with the sanctuary to restore a historic aviary – a space now home to Meriden, an African Spotted Eagle Owl in Brockswood’s care.


Located in Sedgley, West Midlands, Brockswood Animal Sanctuary is a respected local charity devoted to the care, rehabilitation, and protection of rescued and vulnerable animals. The project exemplifies our values of collaboration, and support to the local community.


The aviary restoration involved extensive work to ensure the AonixAviary was designed with both modern best practices and Meriden’s individual needs in mind:


  • Clearing the Way: The demolition and combining of two old aviaries, with added height to give him room to swoop and perch high.


  • Structural Restoration: Replacement and reinforcement of wooden framework and protective netting, with a special roof mesh and careful planting to give Meriden both shelter and sunshine.


  • Security and Care: Improved double-door access allowing Brockswood to provide even better welfare and biosecurity.


  • Habitat Enrichment: Adding new perches, nesting materials, and a custom-built nest box.


The project was planned and delivered in close collaboration with the Brockswood team, who guided our volunteers through each phase, sharing their expertise and helping us gain new practical skills throughout our journey.



Meet Meriden


Meriden is an African Spotted Eagle Owl (Bubo africanus), a nocturnal bird of prey known for its keen eyesight and territorial instincts. Meriden was brought to Brockswood Animal Sanctuary by the RSPCA several years ago when his owners could no longer care for him. He prefers his own company, and this aviary will allow him to thrive in more of his own space.

Meriden the African Spotted Eagle Owl pictured in his original aviary.
Meriden the African Spotted Eagle Owl pictured in his original aviary.

Clearing the Way

Phase One


Our volunteering journey began on a bright Friday morning in August 2024. Spirits were high as we gathered at Brockswood Animal Sanctuary for the first of a series of Friday morning sessions to transform the historic aviaries.

 

With expert guidance from the Brockswood team, we carefully cut back dense vegetation that had grown over the enclosure, dismantled old fencing and timber panels, removed wired netting and the facia of the former aviary structures.

 

As weeks passed, the transformation was taking shape, and we could see the progress we were making on the AonixAviary. Something else was taking shape too: our team. What started as a group of individuals quickly became a committed team, bonded by a shared purpose and a growing passion for the volunteering project.

 

As we worked, the animals in neighbouring enclosures became unexpected spectators, whether it was Freya the fox looking in, or curious eyes peeking through the wire each side. Our every move was examined with great interest – we’d like to think we passed their tests! As for Meriden, he remained blissfully unaware that this space would become his new home.



Graham (Left) and Ben (Right) dismantling the old front of the aviary.
Graham (Left) and Ben (Right) dismantling the old front of the aviary.
Ben cosplaying Thor.
Ben cosplaying Thor.
Graham (Left) and our Brockswood guide John (Right).
Graham (Left) and our Brockswood guide John (Right).
Amanda helping to clear out overgrown vegetation.
Amanda helping to clear out overgrown vegetation.
Ben on top of the aviary helping to remove the overhanging branches.
Ben on top of the aviary helping to remove the overhanging branches.

Cleaning Up

Phase Two


With the AonixAviary already transformed by weeks of hard work, the next phase began: a deep clean to bring the space back to life.

 

Our team rolled up their sleeves, this time to tackle the satisfying job of jet washing the rear stone wall. A build-up of dirt and moss were washed away, revealing the original appearance of the wall – the transformation was immediate.

 

It wasn’t just the wall that got a rinse, many of us did too! Whether it was by accident or by good-humoured design, it added a splash of fun to a rewarding day. By the end of this session, the once-tired stone wall stood clean, and renewed – a perfect backdrop for the Meriden’s new home.


 

Graham jet washing the back wall of the aviary.
Graham jet washing the back wall of the aviary.
Amanda jet washing the back wall of the aviary.
Amanda jet washing the back wall of the aviary.


Structural Restoration

Phase Three


With the space cleared, the transformation had truly begun. With the guidance of the Brockswood team, we began to work on the construction – bringing the vision for a renewed aviary to life.

 

Feathering

At this phase, we started the process of feathering – which is simply overlapping timber side to side, to create panelling. Brockswood Animal Sanctuary rely on donations and visitors to support their projects, meaning the kindness of others directly impacts what Brockswood, and volunteers can achieve! Due to this, resourceful techniques such as feathering are a great way to create a stunning interior, while utilising the available materials.

 

With our new skills, we quickly made progress, and by the end of this stage, both sides of the AonixAviary were now complete.


Our Brockswood guide, John, in his workshop, sawing pieces of wood.
Our Brockswood guide, John, in his workshop, sawing pieces of wood.
Amy (Left) and Ben (Right) perfecting their feathering technique, for the walls either side of the aviary.
Amy (Left) and Ben (Right) perfecting their feathering technique, for the walls either side of the aviary.
John, walking through what is next for us to do, and how to do it.
John, walking through what is next for us to do, and how to do it.

The Roof

In addition to the aviary now having more horizontal space, we also increased the height, allowing Meriden to have more vertical space to fly, perch, and observe his surroundings – closer aligning to his natural environment.

 

This meant installing a completely new netted roof structure, a task that brought its own set of challenges. For some team members, this required working at height – but with growing confidence and expert supervision, the netted roof was all put in place.


Ben, on top of the adjacent aviary, securing the new roof.
Ben, on top of the adjacent aviary, securing the new roof.
Ben, from a distance, securing the new roof.
Ben, from a distance, securing the new roof.
A view from outside the aviary, before the roof was installed.
A view from outside the aviary, before the roof was installed.
A view from outside the aviary, with the new roof now installed. Despite the drastic change in sky, this image was taken the very same day as the previous images.
A view from outside the aviary, with the new roof now installed. Despite the drastic change in sky, this image was taken the very same day as the previous images.

Habitat Enrichment

Phase Four


With the structure now in place, our attention turned to the interior of the AonixAviary. We installed natural branch perches at varying heights, encouraging movement and different perches for Meriden.

 

Next, we constructed a short, staggered timber wall between the pathway at the front of the interior, and the raised ground. This would enhance the appearance and be another place for Meriden to perch on. To fix the timber wall in place, we created cement mix and then used additional gravel to create a defined path.

 

We also replaced the original doors, with newly constructed ones, featuring double-door access to provide even better welfare and biosecurity. With all our progress so far, the aviary was now getting closer to welcoming its new resident!


Amy (Left) and Ben (Right) breaking off the old door, so the new door system can be constructed.
Amy (Left) and Ben (Right) breaking off the old door, so the new door system can be constructed.
Creating a stump for Meriden to perch on, fixing it securely into the ground.
Creating a stump for Meriden to perch on, fixing it securely into the ground.
A view from Inside the aviary after branches had been fixed in place onto the stump.
A view from Inside the aviary after branches had been fixed in place onto the stump.

Nest Box & Finishing Touches

The Final Phase


At the heart of the aviary was the design of the next box, a comfortable shelter for Meriden. After discussion, we opted to paint it a vibrant red, a warm contrast to the natural tones of the environment. The result was an owl-friendly home built with care, and attention to detail.

 

After the nest box was fitted in place, we prepared the ground with a generous spread of natural wood chippings, uplifting the appearance and promoting a comfortable environment for Meriden. With every detail now completed, the transformation was officially complete, and we were ready to welcome Meriden into his new forever home!


Amy (Left) and Ben (Right) constructing the perch structure.
Amy (Left) and Ben (Right) constructing the perch structure.
John drilling together the pieces of the perch structure.
John drilling together the pieces of the perch structure.
Ben (Left) and John (Right) fitting the constructed perch into place.
Ben (Left) and John (Right) fitting the constructed perch into place.
A view from inside the aviary of Meriden's new perch.
A view from inside the aviary of Meriden's new perch.
Painting Meriden's nest box a warm, vibrant red.
Painting Meriden's nest box a warm, vibrant red.
A view inside the aviary with Meriden's new nest box fitted into place, in the back left corner.
A view inside the aviary with Meriden's new nest box fitted into place, in the back left corner.


Moving In Day


After almost a year of teamwork and dedication, on 6th June 2025, our volunteering project reached its completion, and the AonixAviary was officially opened. In a special moment, members of the Aonix Limited volunteering team were invited to hold the carrier as Meriden was welcomed into his enclosure.

 

As the sun shone into the aviary, Meriden began to explore his new space, easing into his new home. It was an incredible day, and it was truly a special and emotional moment shared by all, as we watched Meriden’s grand entrance. This day was more than the completion of our volunteering project, it was the beginning of a new chapter for Meriden, and a legacy of care and community spirit.

Ben (Left) and Amy (Right) either side of Meriden.
Ben (Left) and Amy (Right) either side of Meriden.
A surprised Meriden being welcomed into his new aviary.
A surprised Meriden being welcomed into his new aviary.
The special moment was welcomed into his new home.

Celebrating Success Together


At Aonix Limited, Brockswood Animal Sanctuary holds a special place in all our hearts. Over the years, our team has built a strong and lasting connection with the sanctuary, attending community events and sharing updates through our social media pages, raising awareness and support Brockswood’s mission.

 

Earlier in our journey, we marked a previous milestone in the AonixAviary. Once the framework was completed, we came together with the Brockswood team for a Mexican Fiesta lunch, along with a range of team-building activities.

 

The event was proudly opened by Keisha Harrison from Gamma, who generously sponsored the celebration, and experienced Brockswood Animal Sanctuary first-hand!


A picture of the Aonix Limited team, members of the Brockswood team, and Keisha Harrison.
A picture of the Aonix Limited team, members of the Brockswood team, and Keisha Harrison.
The Aonix Limited team, plus some family members and friends, captured at our Fiesta event.
The Aonix Limited team, plus some family members and friends, captured at our Fiesta event.
(Left to Right) Amanda, Ben, Graham, and Keisha Harrison.
(Left to Right) Amanda, Ben, Graham, and Keisha Harrison.

A Project to Remember


From start to finish, the AonixAviary restoration has been an inspiring journey, one which has had a lasting impact not only Brockswood Animal Sanctuary and Meriden, but on every member of the Aonix Limited team who took part.

 

Throughout the project, we’ve learned new skills, worked in new environments, overcome personal challenges, and formed meaningful bonds. What began as a volunteering initiative become a shared mission we were proud to be a part of.

 

While the aviary may now be complete, our commitment continues. We look forward to maintaining Meriden’s new home, and support Brockswood on further projects with the very same passion.


(Left to Right) Ben, Amy, and Dylan, pictured visiting Meriden a few months later, checking in to see how he was finding his new home.
(Left to Right) Ben, Amy, and Dylan, pictured visiting Meriden a few months later, checking in to see how he was finding his new home.

Thank You


This project would not have been possible without the incredible support, guidance, and generosity of so many. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to:

 

  • The Brockswood team – for your tireless dedication to animal welfare, and for welcoming us so warmly into your world. A special thank you to John, our project leader, whose skill and patience kept us motivated through every stage.

 

  • The volunteers from Aonix Limited – for your hard work, willingness to learn, and for proudly becoming part of the Brockswood community (and now knowing every animal by name!).

 

  • Haemmerlin – for your generous donation of professional-grade wheelbarrows, which proved invaluable during the project and are now in daily use across the sanctuary.

 

  • Keisha Harrison, Gamma Account Manager – for sponsoring the AonixAviary celebrations and being a consistent supporter throughout the project.

 

  • And finally, Amanda Sloan, Marketing Manager at Aonix Limited – whose initiative, coordination, and passion for giving back brought Aonix Limited and Brockswood Animal Sanctuary together.


(Left to Right) Ellie, Natalie, Amy, Amanda, Dylan from the very first week.
(Left to Right) Ellie, Natalie, Amy, Amanda, Dylan from the very first week.
A selfie of (Left to Right) Amy, Amanda, Ben, Lynn, Dylan, near the start of the project.
A selfie of (Left to Right) Amy, Amanda, Ben, Lynn, Dylan, near the start of the project.

Brockswood Animal Sanctuary


Loving referred to as "a little oasis in the Black Country", Brockswood Animal Sanctuary is a place of refuge for sick, injured, and mistreated animals. It was founded with a passion for animal welfare and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable animals.

 

The Aonix Limited team admire all of the work Brockswood do and are honoured to support their mission. We encourage you to see Brockswood Animal Sanctuary for yourself, and even have a look at the AonixAviary, and meet Meriden!




Visit Brockswood

Brockswood Animal Sanctuary Catholic Lane

Sedgley

West Midlands, DY3 3YE


https://www.brockswood.org.uk/ 



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