There are hopes of seeing owls across the Glen as not only have owls been seen and heard even in the very centre of Sidmouth, but Glen Goyle is only a short flight from open countryside. They are certainly in the Valley, with Sidmouth’s Donkey Sanctuary as a ‘haven for barn owls’.
FOGG volunteers, the Barn Owl Trust and the tree team from the District Council have had an Owl box installed along the Glen – with thanks to generous funding from Steve and Sally Jellyman.
And with the owl time of autumn upon us, Sophie Jackson, Wildlife Recovery Placement Student at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, has just put together an inspiring piece on these iconic birds. Here are a couple of extracts:
Installing homes for owls
Despite challenges, populations of barn owls have made a remarkable recovery since the 1990s. Nevertheless, barn owls continue to depend on the goodwill and support of us humans. One important way of supporting these birds has been through the installation of nest boxes, providing them with suitable and safe roosting and nesting sites. Protecting and monitoring these birds therefore relies heavily on the support of farmers, landowners, and dedicated volunteers.
Why barn owls matter
Barn owls are not only striking and beautiful, but they also play vital ecological roles. By hunting small rodents such as voles and mice, they provide a natural form of pest control, supporting both farmers and the wider ecosystem. Barn owls are also good indicators of ecosystem health; a healthy owl population suggests that the landscape is supporting abundant prey and suitable habitats. Culturally, barn owls hold a special place in folklore and symbolism, often associated with wisdom and mystery.
Here’s the owl box at Glen Goyle in June this year – freshly installed by the tree team:
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