Police appeal after man made lewd comments
NATIONAL TRUST FOUND THE BIRDS NESTING ON HOLY ISLAND
MEET the owls who have swapped the barn for the more stately surroundings of a castle.
The National Trust discovered the wise new residents as part of the ongoing major restoration project at Lindisfarne Castle in Northumberland.
The conservation charity found barn owls nesting in an old latrine chute in the castle wall and in a bid not to disturb the new tenants, the trust created a 20-metre exclusion zone in the scaffolding.
Four chicks are now just days from fledging, and the move has enabled the charity to continue their conservation work while protecting the owls.
Matthew Oates, nature specialist at the National Trust, said: “We need to allow nature to move in where it chooses, and give it the time and space it needs. This is not a problem, it’s something we appreciate and accept. As a conservation charity, we regularly adapt our work due to the opportunism of wildlife – it’s what we’re here for.”
A 2016 report collated by the Barn Owl Trust recorded more than 6,000 potential barn owl nest sites and more than 1,000 active nests across the UK.
The report also suggested that climate change, intensively managed farmland and a lack of prey-rich habitats have contributed to low barn owl population density.
Lindisfarne Castle, a Grade-I listed building situated on top of a volcanic mound, is currently undergoing a £3m restoration project, and is closed to the public until spring 2018.
The project includes repairing deteriorating stonework, re-waterproofing windows and treating damp caused by the constant pressure of the elements.
To find out more or to donate to help restore Lindisfarne Castle, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/lindisfarne A CCTV appeal has been launched after a man made lewd comments to two groups of people in Gosforth’s Central Park.
The man accused of indecent behaviour made the inappropriate comments to one group gathered in the park, before returning later that evening to harass more people.
The first inappropriate comments were made at around 7.30pm on Sunday, August 27, with the culprit going back into the park 20 minutes later to unleash more unsavoury behaviour.
Police officers investigating the incident have now released a photo – right – of a man who was in the park at the time of the incidents who they believe may be able to help their enquiries.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Anyone who