Cornish chimney sweep rescues owl trapped inside a Polperro stove
A Surprise Visitor in a Polperro Living Room
Anyone who knows Polperro will recognise the scene. The village’s narrow lanes, slate-roofed cottages and tumbling harbour make it one of the most photographed corners of south-east Cornwall, and many of its homes still rely on wood burners to see them through damp winter evenings. That is why a discovery made inside one of those houses has caught the attention of residents across the area. Rob Stead, a self-employed chimney sweep based in Looe, was finishing his last job of the day when he noticed something odd in a customer’s living room. What he first took for a log was, on closer inspection, a large live owl staring back at him through the glass stove door. The bird had made its way down a six-inch flue liner, navigated the baffle plate above the firebox and become wedged in place. For a village where wildlife is part of daily life, it was an unusual find even by local standards, and it is a reminder of how close our wild neighbours can come to our front rooms without anyone noticing until something goes wrong.
How a Routine Job Became a Rescue
Stead has spent years clearing soot and debris from chimneys across east Cornwall, and he says birds turning up in stoves is not unheard of. He has pulled robins, jackdaws and other small birds out of fireplaces over the years. An owl, however, was a first. Rather than rushing into a panic, he laid down his protective sheet, turned on his torch and gave the bird space to settle. Once the owl began flapping, he realised it was healthy and had probably not been trapped for long, so he decided against calling a vet. He wrapped it in a towel, carried it into the garden and raised his hands. The owl glided off into the evening. Before leaving, he closed the doors inside the house to stop the bird from causing chaos if it had escaped into the rest of the property. The homeowners, who had called him in for routine maintenance, were understandably relieved, and Stead admitted with a laugh that he had to ask for the use of their fresh towels. The episode shows how a skilled tradesperson’s calm response can turn a potentially messy situation into a happy ending for everyone involved, including the bird.
What Cornish Homeowners Should Know
Stead’s advice is simple and worth taking seriously. Fitting a bird guard on your chimney or flue can stop wildlife from getting inside in the first place. He pointed out that the house he visited appeared to have had one at some point, but weather and age had damaged it, leaving the way open. If you have a wood burner, open fire or any unused chimney, it is worth asking a qualified sweep to check the cowl and guard at your next service, especially during nesting season. If you do find a bird inside your stove, close the doors to the room, keep pets out, open a window or door to the outside, and give the animal a chance to leave on its own. For injured or stuck wildlife, contact a local vet or wildlife rescue. Anyone planning a trip to the area this year should also keep in mind that Cornwall’s beaches, harbours and villages are busy with visitors. Whether you want to go to Newquay for a day at Fistral Beach or pick a dog friendly accommodation for a quieter stay on the coast, the county’s wildlife deserves the same respect that its visitors enjoy.
Source: Cornwall chimney sweep finds a live owl trapped inside a stove
