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UPM Tilhill Helps Boost Barn Owl Numbers

UPM Tilhill is lending its support to a national project to boost barn owl numbers in the UK.

The company became aware of the work of the Wildlife Conservation Partnership when its’ SE England and Yorkshire District teams were working on a contract for Network Rail to clear lineside vegetation close to the South-forty Foot River, near Boston, Lincolnshire.

Along the river corridor, the Partnership was gradually replacing nest boxes installed in the 1980’s as part of the UK’s first river corridor habitat enhancement programme which aimed to boost the numbers of nesting owls. Over the last 25 years, over 35 pairs of Barn Owls have nested in the boxes, 15 pairs of Kestrels, 4 pairs of Tawny Owls and a pair of Little Owls, as well as Stock Doves and Jackdaws.

Inspired by the Project, UPM Tilhill has provided £2,800 to complete the third and final phase of the nestbox replacement programme. The funding will cover survey work, to ensure installation of the nest boxes does not affect underground cables and pipes, installation and monitoring, and maintenance for three years.

“Thanks to UPM Tilhill we can complete the renewal of nest boxes along this stretch of river,” said Colin Shawyer, Wildlife Conservation Partnership. “A nationwide project to conserve Barn Owls began in 1987 on the banks of the South-forty Foot River in Lincolnshire. This was selected as our first river corridor to benefit from habitat enhancement in the UK and the results to date have been so encouraging. The Environment Agency funded this work and continues to do so in many parts of England.”

Press for further information contact:
Ruth Roy, Head of Marketing, 01892 861008/07771 940494, ruth.roy@upm-kymmene.com

UPM Tilhill Marketing. March 2007