TWO young conservationists from Bromsgrove have decided to take a hands-on approach to help the county’s owls.
Jacob and Joshua Blackmore, 11 and 14 respectively, got in touch with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust with an offer to make owl boxes for its nature reserves.
With the help of dad Mark, they made a tawny owl box for Chaddesley Woods nature reserve, and a barn owl box for Eades Meadow nature reserve.
Jacob, who attends Aston Fields Middle School, said: “I’ve always loved owls and really want to see one.
“We thought we’d just find one somewhere in the countryside – perhaps if we were able to find a nest.
“But it’s just not that easy.
“Dad joined us up as members of the Wildlife Trust earlier this year so we thought we’d offer our help – if we could put up a couple of owl boxes, then hopefully we’ll be able to see owls using them.”
Mark added: “We’ve visited various places around the UK, like the Dyfi Osprey Project in Wales, in order to see more wildlife, but we wanted to do something close to home to help our own, local, wildlife.”
The Trust was keen to help the youngsters and found a couple of suitable locations not too far from the family’s Bromsgrove home.
The two birds have different nesting preferences and habitats.
While tawny owls live in the same wood for their entire lives, using their senses find their way around, even in the darkness, barn owls hunt over open fields and are able to pinpoint the sound of a small mammal even through snow.
James Hitchcock, the member of staff responsible for Eades Meadow, said: “It’s fantastic that Jacob and Josh are so keen to help and they’ve made a great start with building and erecting owl boxes.
“It’s really great to see the next generation of conservationists already getting involved and making a difference.”
Visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk for more information about the work of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and how to join.
