YOUNG BARN OWL IN NIDDERDALE · NORTH YORKSHIRE

Since retiring from business I regularly travel into beautiful Nidderdale in North Yorkshire where I volunteer for a Nature Conservation Group and have learned a great deal about giving a little back to nature. 

Working alongside like-minded volunteers we are guided by experts in tree planting and management, digging ponds, controlling invasive plants and rebuilding collapsed dry-stone walls while enjoying the beautiful countryside and taking the time to observe nature.

There are 3 Barn Owl Nest Boxes, 2 of which have been occupied this year - successfully fledging Owlets in each box. 

One nest box is in this old barn which is often occupied by 4 Exmoor ponies who help keep the grass short for the ground nesting birds including Skylark, Lapwing and Curlew, they come down into the valley to shelter particularly during inclement weather.

Kestrel and Wood Pigeon also visit this delightful old barn and from time to time 16 Belted Galloways amble down from the hills to squeeze inside on hot days to shelter from the sun and the many flies. 

After arriving at the site in the late afternoon I set up my Camo Hide and in the fading light I eventually captured stills and video footage of these beautiful Barn Owls before walking the half mile back to my trusty Defender 90 and drive back to Harrogate for a well-earned beer and late supper.