KEEN conservationist Jeffrey Walsh is helping to preserve the local population of tawny owls.

For the past 10 years Mr Walsh, of Barnoldswick, has erected owl nesting boxes at woodland locations throughout West Craven.

He explained: "I've always been interested in nature but over the past few years, I've noticed a decline in local bird populations.

"It was the decline of the barn owl population that really got me thinking. They have now more or less disappeared locally due to all sorts of reasons.

"I didn't want to see other owls and birds go the same way so I thought of doing my bit to help by putting up owl nesting boxes in various locations with help from farmers and landowners."

Mr Walsh, a keen birdwatcher all his life, added: "The owls generally like to nest in a hole in a tree, but a lot of woodland is disappearing so they are losing their natural nesting sites."

Working in co-operation with local landowners, Mr Walsh has put dozens of nesting boxes on woodland trees, where owls have gone on to successfully breed their chicks.

Tawny owls lay up to six eggs and they remain within their nesting territory all year round.

Once the chicks have hatched, Mr Walsh contacts a friend - a member of the British Trust for Ornithology - who rings the young birds on the leg so they are officially registered.

If the chicks are ever found in the future, information contained on the ring means they can be traced back to their breeding ground.

Mr Walsh's interest in conservation also spreads to trees.

Over the years he has planted hundreds of seedlings throughout the area, all grown from seed in his garden. More recently he became one of Barnoldswick Town Council's two tree wardens.

Following the go-ahead from the landowners, he has planted native species at Letcliffe Park, Brogden Lane in Barnoldswick, Salterforth Quarry and White Moor at Salterforth, among many other locations.

His latest project has seen him plant a small copse in the grounds of St Joseph's School, Barnoldswick.

"With trees disappearing all the time, I like to put something back," said Mr Walsh.