MORE than £30,000 has been raised through Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Barn Owl Appeal to support the species

The campaign was launched in response to a dramatic drop in numbers over recent years, largely due to adverse weather and loss of foraging habitat.

The Trust is putting the generous donations from members, funders and supporters towards building and installing boxes, advising landowners on creating and retaining suitable foraging habitat, and training volunteers to monitor activity with Mervyn Greening of the Gloucestershire Barn Owl Group, and other local experts.

The campaign and GWT’s accompanying Adopt a Barn Owl packs have been greatly supported by local business and long-term partner Forest Holidays since the appeal was launched.

Bruce McKendrick, chief executive officer at Forest Holidays, said: “Wildlife and the environment are at the heart of what we do here at Forest Holidays, so supporting the Barn Owl Campaign alongside our partners at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust has been a pleasure.

“This is an excellent campaign that has helped to raise much needed awareness around the decline of this majestic bird.

“We will of course be continuing to raise awareness through Forest Ranger walks and talks at our Forest of Dean location.”

If you would like to donate to help Gloucestershire’s barn owls and find out more about the work of the Trust visit www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/barnowls