AN exciting collaboration between Wildlife Friendly Otley and Denton Estate has started to gain momentum with the installation of another barn owl nest box on the estate grounds.

This is the third box installed out of a planned 20 for the area.

As farming methods in Britain have changed and habitats declined, this work will help continue the process to re-establish a healthy population of barn owls to the area. It will also help improve the natural balance of local biodiversity.

Using expert knowledge to site the boxes in the best positions, they will be monitored and maintained to document the difference they will make.

The ‘Wharfedale Men’s Shed’ who built this particular nest box are extremely proud to have played a part in the project, and dedicated it to the memory of a member, Chris Cullum.

Stewart Barlow of Wildlife Friendly Otley said: "I am so excited to see this work come together, and it really shows that, by working in partnership with different groups, great things can be achieved."

He added: "This work represents a hugely important part of the bigger nature recovery plan Wildlife Friendly Otley is so passionate about."

Nick Bailey of Denton Estate said: "Watching a barn owl hunt is breath-taking. They are some of our most stunning residents. I appreciate the expertise and support of the WFO and WMS teams in making their existence here less precarious."

Wildlife Friendly Otley is always looking for volunteers to help support their work. If anyone would like any further information, then please contact them using their email address wildlifefriendlyotley@gmail.com.