New home is a hoot for owls!

Local electricity company Western Power Distribution was approached by the Barn Owl Trust when an existing barn owl nest in a modern barn building at a farm was under threat following the granting of planning permission for conversions.

 

Having scanned the nearby area for suitably sturdy trees or other nesting habitats the Barn Owl Trust asked WPD if it could donate a pole for the siting of a nest box near the current barn building.

 

Julie Matthews, Assistant Conservation Officer for the Trust, explained:’ We were exceptionally worried that barn buildings would be demolished before we were able to provide a suitable alternative. Barn owls are site faithful and had already been spotted in the area so it was important to move quickly. We were really delighted when WPD agreed to donate and install a pole that could be used to site a new nest box.’

 

Barn owls are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and are afforded further special protection just as they start to nest. The new pole has now been installed and all at the Barn Owl Trust are hopeful that nesting could begin anytime in the next few weeks.

 

Bill Porter, Team Manager for Western Power Distribution at its Exeter depot, said: ‘We are pleased to have been able to support the Barn Owl Trust in this practical way and hope that this new nest box will provide a suitable new family home for the owls in the local area.’

April 2007