Making feathered friends at Earth Trust Farm
Earth Trust has recently partnered with the Owl Conservation Project (OCP) to facilitate the release of four rescued owls on our farm in Little Wittenham, as part of our ongoing efforts to support wildlife conservation and maintain diverse habitats.
The collaboration began when Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue contacted the OCP about rehoming four owls – three males and one female. Earth Trust’s farm, with its varied landscape and suitable habitat, was selected as the ideal location for a soft release programme.
The Soft Release Process
To ensure the best possible outcome for the owls, we implemented a careful soft release process:
- A spacious aviary was constructed at Earth Trust farm to temporarily house the owls.
- Each bird was given an identification ring before being introduced to the aviary.
- Over several weeks, our team worked with OCP to provide daily care and feeding, allowing the owls to acclimate to their new surroundings.
- When the time was right, we opened the aviary, giving the owls freedom to explore their new environment.
- Support feeding continued, gradually reducing as the owls became more independent.
Earth Trust’s farm provides an ideal environment for barn owls, primarily due to its diverse grasslands. These areas support populations of small mammals, particularly short-tailed voles – a favourite prey for barn owls.
Looking Ahead: Future Conservation Plans
Encouraged by the success of this release, Earth Trust is planning to install additional owl boxes around the farm. These will be monitored regularly during breeding seasons, contributing valuable data to ongoing conservation efforts and potentially supporting a growing local owl population.
Community Involvement
This project exemplifies how Earth Trust’s conservation work, supported by our community, directly benefits local wildlife. It also highlights the role of managed landscapes in supporting biodiversity.
For those interested in learning more about owl conservation, we recommend visiting the Owl Conservation Project website. They offer a wealth of information about these fascinating birds and their conservation needs.
Earth Trust will continue to update our community on the progress of this and other conservation initiatives. We encourage visitors to our sites to keep an eye (and an ear) out – you might just spot or hear one of our new feathered residents!