A Woodland Alive With Activity
While our mill team has been hard at work transforming fallen Longwood trees into beautiful, sustainable timber, there has been just as much activity happening out in the woodland itself. Our Biodiversity Officer, Beth, has been busy monitoring the wildlife that calls Longwood home — and this week brought a particularly exciting visit.
Checking In on Our Resident Barn Owls
Beth welcomed a licensed monitoring team to check on our resident Barn owls and to see whether they had produced any owlets this year. Monitoring is especially important after last year, when only a low number of eggs were laid across the region. Understanding how our owls are doing helps us track their long‑term health and the condition of the habitat they rely on.
The team carefully inspected the nest site, working quietly and respectfully to minimise disturbance. Barn owls are sensitive birds, and every check‑in is carried out under strict licence to ensure their safety.
Three Owlets Ringed for Future Conservation
One of the highlights of this week’s monitoring was the ringing of three of the largest owlets. Each tiny metal ring carries a unique identification code, allowing conservationists to recognise individual birds in the future. These rings help build a long‑term picture of Barn owl survival, movement, and breeding success — vital information for protecting the species across Wales.
Ringing is a quick and gentle process carried out by trained professionals. The owlets were soon safely back in their nest, where they will continue to grow under the watchful care of their parents.
Continuing to Monitor Through the Summer
We will continue to monitor the nest site throughout the summer to see how the owlets develop. These early weeks are crucial as they build strength, learn to hunt, and prepare for life beyond the nest. With luck, we’ll see them take their first flights later in the season.
Longwood is proud to support both sustainable woodland management and thriving wildlife. Every piece of timber we produce and every conservation action we take is part of the same mission — caring for this woodland now and for generations to come.