‘…a well written story of how Paul Hackney became committed to doing something about the plight of the barn owl. … This book will serve as an inspiration to those who may be called to help preserve one of our most beautiful owls in the future.’ - Peregrine
December Book Competition - your chance to win 'Growing Barn Owls in my Garden' by Paul Hackney

This competition is now closed, thank you for entering. The winners will be chosen at random on Monday 6th January and will be notified by email.
We've chosen the inspiring 'Growing Barn Owls in my Garden' by Paul Hackney, RRP £16.99. From an upbringing in the Lake District, the author developed a deep interest in natural history which became an all-consuming passion. As a ‘licensed rehabilitation keeper’, he cared for a wide range of injured and orphaned wildlife, giving individuals a second chance by returning them to the wild. He reveals how and why he later graduated to barn owl conservation.
Summary:
After almost 20 years, there is now evidence of a marked increase in barn owl numbers in areas where the author has worked. During this period, he bred and released around 250 birds, put up nest boxes and advised on barn owl-friendly approaches to land management. These activities helped to reverse the decline in population as areas were repopulated and also created reservoirs of wild breeding barn owls, whose offspring colonised other under-populated parts of the country. This book will appeal not only to everyone with a special interest in barn owls and all birding enthusiasts, but also to naturalists and those with an interest in nature and conservation.
'The barn owl is one of the glories of the British countryside... Paul Hackney, who became fascinated by barn owls... ...is now helping to repopulate Britain's woodlands by breeding them in captivity. ... There are fond memories, too, of Barney, a female barn owl who was a household companion for 15 years'. The Critics
We've chosen the inspiring 'Growing Barn Owls in my Garden' by Paul Hackney, RRP £16.99. From an upbringing in the Lake District, the author developed a deep interest in natural history which became an all-consuming passion. As a ‘licensed rehabilitation keeper’, he cared for a wide range of injured and orphaned wildlife, giving individuals a second chance by returning them to the wild. He reveals how and why he later graduated to barn owl conservation.
Summary:
- A 20-year story of successful barn owl conservation
- An informative and entertaining story of one of Britain’s most iconic birds
- Includes conservation methods that can be of general benefit for British wildlife and the countryside
After almost 20 years, there is now evidence of a marked increase in barn owl numbers in areas where the author has worked. During this period, he bred and released around 250 birds, put up nest boxes and advised on barn owl-friendly approaches to land management. These activities helped to reverse the decline in population as areas were repopulated and also created reservoirs of wild breeding barn owls, whose offspring colonised other under-populated parts of the country. This book will appeal not only to everyone with a special interest in barn owls and all birding enthusiasts, but also to naturalists and those with an interest in nature and conservation.
'The barn owl is one of the glories of the British countryside... Paul Hackney, who became fascinated by barn owls... ...is now helping to repopulate Britain's woodlands by breeding them in captivity. ... There are fond memories, too, of Barney, a female barn owl who was a household companion for 15 years'. The Critics
*This competition is open to UK residents only. Our Terms & Conditions apply, and your email address will be shared with Whittles Publishing for marketing purposes.
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