Hawks, Owls & wildlife conservation
We first discovered that we had breeding barn owls at Acton Court in 2001. One night several visitors heard a spooky sound coming from one of the chimneys. It was like breathing and we couldn’t work out what it was. Then our stalwart helper Micky saw a barn owl fly across the East Court and we realised that it was feeding its chicks in the chimney, and it was the chicks who were making the strange noise.
A friend put us onto wildlife broadcaster Chris Sperring from The Hawk and Owl Trust. He came to Acton Court; we joined the Trust and the rest is history. Hawk and Owl Trust volunteers have played a big part in making Acton Court a successful environment for wildlife.
The meadows and rough grassland provide a good habitat and hunting ground for birds of prey and other wildlife species. The building is a favoured breeding site for barn owls and sometimes little owls and hawks. A wide variety of song birds, butterflies, moths and bats frequent the site.
Although our site is small, we do everything we can to promote the welfare of all creatures and especially the owls and raptors.
Acton Court also works with South Glos Owl and Bird of Prey Conservation. It is a local group that works to conserve and protect wild owls and birds of prey in and around South Gloucestershire. Some of their members are volunteers at Acton Court and help us to maintain and recreate natural hunting and breeding areas for the owls and birds of prey on our site.
For information about the group and how to volunteer email or visit the Facebook group page: South Glos Owl and Bird of Prey Conservation
