What a fantastic turnout for August! Over 30 people joined us this morning for a breakfast full of connection, learning, and a look into the natural world around us.
Our guest speaker was the incredibly passionate Terry Hallahan of the Sussex Barn Owl Study Group, who shared an eye-opening talk on the beautiful, but sadly declining barn owl population across the UK.
Terry gave us a glimpse into the vital work being done by the group, which is made up of dedicated ornithologists, ecologists, licensed bird ringers, protection agents, and volunteers.
Their efforts include:
• Scoping safe locations for nesting
• Supplying and installing owl boxes
• Ringing the birds to track populations
• Ongoing monitoring and maintenance
• Observing trends and compiling reports
• Running educational talks and training sessions
The talk gave many of us a new appreciation for these iconic birds and the hands-on, behind-the-scenes work required to support them.
Terry also highlighted the ongoing need for funding. Each owl box costs around £150, and each bird ring £2.50; small amounts that make a big difference in conservation efforts.
A huge thank you to Terry for such an engaging and informative session, and to all who joined us today.
See you at the next one! Book your place now at seafordchamber.co.uk