Broadcaster and conservationist Chris Sperring MBE from the Hawk and Owl Trust was the VIP guest at a well-attended meeting in Berrow this week.
Berrow Conservation Group hosted the very well-attended meeting in the Village Hall on Thursday (March 19th) when the topic of the rise and fall of the Barn Own population in Somerset was discussed.
Chris explained that the ups and downs of the Barn Owl population are mainly due to habitat, and stressed the important contribution made by farmers who agree to leave untouched, areas – or margins – around their fields between hedgerows and ploughed areas.
“These havens for wildlife provide ideal breeding grounds for small mammals, the staple diet of the barn owl,” he said.
Chris also stressed the importance of continued efforts by wildlife groups and volunteers.
The group’s Ann Griffiths said: “Chris’ presentation was of a very high standard we have come to expect from him – the highlight for many was the chance to have a close encounter with Chris’s owls, Barn Owl Bellatrix, and Tawny Owl Orion.”
Pictured: Members of Berrow Conservation Group, who have erected two Barn Owl nesting boxes in the village, with Chris Sperring and members of ‘Give2Hoots’, who raise funds for the Hawk and Owl Trusts Community Barn Owl project
