MORE than 140 farmers have attended five events organised by the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) to find out how they can help Barn Owls thrive on their farms.

Local experts Robin Arundale, John Olly and Philip Hamner have given farmers across the region a fascinating insight into the life of these wonderful birds and what they can do to help them.

It was highlighted that after a couple of years of inclement weather 2014’s weather has been really good news for barn owls. Not only had particularly large broods been raised but, in many cases, pairs had raised two broods compared to the usual one.

Robin Arundale from Wolds Barn Owl Group said: “This extremely successful breeding season should result in higher than usual numbers of young ‘first winter’ barn owls looking to find somewhere to pair up and breed next year. This is an excellent opportunity for you to encourage a pair to nest on your farm. You will need to provide preferably two appropriately situated barn owl nest boxes. It is vitally important that these are located in an area of suitable habitat.”

Fraser Hugill, CFE regional co-ordinator, said: “The new CAP greening measures provide an opportunity to encourage barn owls onto our farms by creating suitable habitat. The fallow land and buffer strip options can be used to create or retain tussocky grass areas and margins, providing an ideal habitat for field voles the main food source of the barn owl.”

William Maughan farmer and Durham CFE chairman concluded: “It is so encouraging to see such an enthusiastic group of farmers wanting to learn about barn owls. It is important that when giving land over for greening measures it actually delivers something meaningful for the environment and this is where attending a CFE event can help.”

Visit cfeonline.org.uk for further information.