| Barn
owl census carried out in Devon |
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| Barn
owls are a beautiful but rare sight in Devon |
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Barn
owls were once a common sight across Devon - but intensive farming
has placed the beautiful creature's survival in Devon at risk.
Now, for the first time in 10 years, a barn owl census is to be held
in the county. |
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A charity
dedicated to the conservation of barn owls is carrying out a major
survey of their numbers in Devon this year.
The Ashburton-based Barn Owl Trustis holding a census between April
and September 2003 - the first one since 1993. The Devon Birdwatching
and Preservation Society is also helping with the survey.
Devon used to be a real stronghold for barn owls, but the switch to
intensive farming since the Second World War has taken a terrible
toll.
Since the 1930s, the number of barn owls in the UK has been reduced
by 70%. Nationally, there are around 4,400 pairs - in Devon, there
are some 250 to 350 pairs.
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| A
barn owl in flight |
Hotspots
include parts of North Devon, and the area between Torbay and Totnes
in South Devon. But in East Devon, the farming is too intensive for
barn owls, while Dartmoor is virtually a no-go area because of the
harsh weather.
The Barn Owl Trust has been working with farmers in Devon to encourage
them to adopt more barn owl-friendly farming methods.
Local councils have also been made more aware of the plight of the
creatures.
Assistant conservation officer at the Barn Owl Trust, Sue Searle,
said their efforts of the past few years are starting to pay off.
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| Nest
boxes have helped |
"We
are confident that the number of barn owls in Devon has settled or
are actually going up," said Sue.
"We've identified areas where we can help farmers, and hundreds
of nest boxes have been put up."
She added: "Barn owls need rough grass where there are small
mammals. These areas have largely gone because of intensive farming,
and we are asking farmers to leave a small corner for barn owls. Hedgerows
also help, but these are often cut back."
Barn owl staff and volunteers will be visiting over 1,000 possible
barn owl sites in Devon during nesting time this summer, to get an
idea of their numbers.
"Hopefully, we should have an idea how many pairs there are by
the autumn, and our census report should be complete by the end of
the year," said Sue.
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