A NEW initiative to create nest boxes for breeding barn owls has taken flight in Lochwinnoch.

The ‘Boxes for Barnies’ project will see the construction of a dozen purpose-built barn owl boxes, to be installed at suitable locations in Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire.

It is being funded by the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC) Clyde Branch and Garnock Connections Landscape Partnership, with support through a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

SOC members have been working with the Lochwinnoch community to recruit volunteers to construct, install and help monitor the boxes, as well as approaching local landowners to host a box on their property.

Project volunteer Fraser Kennedy, helped by his children Orla and Noah, has already constructed two of the nest boxes.

The professional joiner said: “I used to see these beautiful owls on a regular basis near where I live.

“When I was informed about the project’s aims and the design requirements, I realised I wanted to use my skills to help.”

Local farmer Willie Andrews added: “Barn owls are lovely birds and a friend, as they kill vermin. They are under threat and declining, so I’m happy to put up a box.”

The boxes will mainly be sited in farm buildings, with some in trees, and will be monitored in the breeding season.

Data generated from monitoring the boxes will be entered on online bird recording platform BirdTrack.

Barn owls have seen a welcome increase in numbers after a population low in the 1970s and 1980s.

One of the major factors for their upturn in fortunes has been an increase in nesting sites, thanks to the provision of artificial nest boxes.

Project lead Zul Bhatia said: “We hope these boxes will encourage more young barn owls to come to Lochwinnoch.”

Anyone who would like to help as a volunteer with the nest box scheme once lockdown restrictions are lifted or is keen to house a nest box is asked to contact Zul by sending an email to zulbhatia1@gmail.com.

Any barn owl sightings in the area can also be shared confidentially with Zul, who will forward these to the local bird recorder for the Clyde area, as well as inputting the records on BirdTrack.