 Many of the small mammals eaten by owls live in long grass |
Guernsey's owl population is thriving, but gardeners are being urged to do more to encourage them. The island has populations of both Long Eared and Barn Owls which are making a comeback after a lean spell.
The local RSPB is doing all it can to promote the welfare and increase numbers of the spectacular birds.
Keen owl-watcher Vic Froome says if more people could be persuaded to leave grass uncut this would be of great benefit to the birds.
Flower meadows
He says a small change in the way we manage our gardens can have a large effect on the small mammals on which the owl feeds.
He said: "I try to convince people when I go out to all these large gardens and even Government House has changed its attitude.
"You can let the grass grow and just mow it twice a year and it makes an amazing difference.
"You get more flower meadows and lots of beautiful grasses and grass seed.
"But when you come to mow it, as the gardeners at Government House found out, you get all these little things running out from underneath the mower, which are voles and shrews and mice."
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