BABY barn owls at Moreton Morell College are ready to fly the nest.
Three chicks were born in a nesting box, which was set up as part of a college project by wildlife and countryside management students, and arboriculture students, in May.
The students worked with South Warwickshire Barn Owl Survey to build nest boxes for the owls, with the arboriculture students then putting their climbing skills into action by installing the boxes.
Owls used one of the boxes and successfully reared three chicks.
The chicks were given a health check by barn owl handlers, who confirmed they were fighting fit and ready to go out and explore.
Countryside management lecturer Heather Hopkinson said: “The students decided they wanted to build the barn owl boxes so it’s all down to them and their hard work.
“We were delighted that they have been used by the barn owls so quickly – it’s a fantastic success for our students.”
Students are now planning to build nesting boxes for kestrels, tawny owls and more barn owls, which they hope will be just as successful.
