A Somerset Wildlife Trust nature reserve is hosting a spooky Halloween owl prowl on October 31 as part of the Community Barn Owl Project to get a nest box in every parish.
Two events will be taking place at the Trust’s Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve on the Somerset Levels starting with a family fancy dress Halloween owl prowl, 4-6pm, followed by a guided owl walk aimed at adults, 7-9pm.
Once common sights, barn owl numbers declined by 70 per cent in just 50 years, due to loss of habitat. With up to 80 per cent of barn owls now nesting in man-made boxes, Somerset Wildlife Trust is teaming up with local communities to get a barn owl box in every parish. As well as tackling loss of traditional nesting sites, the project will create more of the rough grassland hunting habitat barn owls need.
Chris Sperring, MBE, Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust and Vice President of Somerset Wildlife Trust will be leading the walks. Chris said: “The Somerset Levels are a really important place for barn owl conservation so Westhay Moor Nature Reserve is the ideal place for an owl prowl. With barn owls and tawny owls in the area, we hope to see and hear a variety of species.”
The three-year project, launched in April, is funded by Viridor Credits Environmental Company; a charity that distributes money from the Landfill Communities Fund, and is a collaboration with the Hawk and Owl Trust; a national charity dedicated to conserving wild birds of prey and owls and their habitats.
Booking essential on 01823 652400 or email [email protected].
For full event detail go to www.somersetwildlife.org/barnowl .
Full event detail:
1. Family Fancy Dress Halloween Owl Prowl – Wed, Oct 31, 4-6pm
Join Chris for a spooky Halloween owl prowl on the Somerset Levels. Discover the different calls, how they hunt and how to identify different owl species. Come dressed in your scariest Halloween costume. A great event for all the family. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve car park.
The event is free but booking essential on 01823 652400 [email protected].
2. Owls on the Somerset Levels – A guided walk aimed at adults Wed, Oct 31, 7-9pm
Join Chris for a wander through the Trust’s Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve to discover all about the owls on the Somerset Levels. This event is aimed at adults and is preceded by the family walk. Meet at Westhay Moor car park.
The event is free but booking essential on 01823 652400 [email protected].
Photo: Brianphipps.net