Rangers at Sutton Manor create nesting boxes for Barn Owls

The birds are being welcomed to woodland at Sutton Manor where the Forestry Commission has installed six new owl boxes across for nesting.

The owls, which are known for their heart-shaped face and golden buff wings, are facing a housing crisis with traditional nesting sites disappearing.

The most recent barn owl population count estimated just 4,000 pairs in England and Wales.

According to the Barn Owl Conservation Network, there are only 20 pairs left in the wild in the Merseyside.

Adam Evans, forest ranger, said: “The area of woodland in Sutton Manor is a great hunting ground for the owls as the long grass is filled with an abundance of small mammals.

“However, there are no large trees for the owls to nest in so we have a situation at the moment where we have the ideal habitat but nowhere for these beautiful birds to nest.”

The Forestry Commission has been managing Sutton Manor for the past 10 years and has worked hard to encourage wildlife to thrive.

As the Star has reported previously, roe deer have been spotted there for the first time and there is also a wide variety of birds living in the area.

Adam added: “I am delighted that we are able to carry out this work, which will protect our feathery friends in this area.”

The Barn Owl is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it unlawful to intentionally or recklessly disturb the birds while they are preparing to nest or at the nest with eggs or young.

It is also illegal to disturb its dependent young. Members of the public are advised to stay well away from nest boxes at all times.

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