Ashburton charity leads owl conservation efforts

The Barn Owl Trust, located near Ashburton,is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of barn owls and their environments. 

Established in the 1980s by a group of passionate volunteers, the trust has grown into a vital resource for barn owl rehabilitation, environmental education, and research.

The sanctuary cares for several barn owls that have been injured or traumatised, making them unable to survive in the wild. 

While the trust strives to rehabilitate and release owls back into their natural habitat, some birds cannot be returned. 

These owls are given a safe home for life, where they receive care and support. 

Supporters can “adopt” these owls, providing essential funds for the trust’s work and receiving annual updates about their adopted owl.

One standout resident is Baley, a captive-bred barn owl who has become an ambassador for the trust’s educational outreach. 

Baley travels to primary schools across Devon with the Trust’s Education Officer, delivering talks that highlight the importance of protecting wildlife and caring for the environment to ensure the survival of barn owls and other species.

The Barn Owl Trust does not open to the public due to the need to provide a stress-free environment for the owls. 

Instead, they encourage people to adopt an owl or participate in seasonal events. 

This autumn, they will host an Autumn Bird Walk on October 30 and a Winter Bird Walk on December 10.

These guided walks take place in their 26-acre nature reserve, which features open grassland, woodland, and habitats along the River Ashburn, offering visitors a chance to observe winter birds in a beautiful natural setting. 

While there is no charge for these events, donations are welcomed to support the trust’s vital work.

The Barn Owl Trust has also made significant contributions to barn owl research and conservation efforts. 

Initially focused on rehabilitating captive owls, the trust has expanded its work to include advising landowners on habitat improvements and conducting research on the impact of barn conversions on barn owl populations. 

This research led to the development of guidelines that have influenced planning policies across the UK, helping to protect barn owls in various regions.

Today, the trust employs a conservation team that cares for owls in the sanctuary, releases rehabilitated birds, and runs a hotline for owl-related queries. 

They also monitor brood sizes and ring young owls for identification purposes. 

The trust collaborates closely with organisations like the National Trust, erecting nest boxes and conducting research on how to reduce barn owl deaths from road accidents.

To support their mission or learn more about adopting an owl, visit their website at www.barnowltrust.org.uk