About Us
About our Charity
The Barn Owl Centre is a registered UK charity based in Gloucestershire, established in 1997 and registered as a charity in 2003.
Based at Netheridge Farm, our work has developed through many years of practical, hands-on experience.
Our work includes our Wildlife Haven, our Sanctuary for Retired Owls and practical conservation projects, including our workshop helping to provide nesting opportunities for owls and kestrels across the UK.
Our 12-acre Wildlife Haven
Over many years, we have gently created a Wildlife Haven at our home, Netheridge Farm in Gloucester. Covering approximately 12 acres, it now supports a wide variety of wildlife throughout the seasons.
With careful management, we have recorded up to 115 bird species in a single year, alongside many mammals, insects and other wildlife.
The Wildlife Haven continues to mature each year, providing valuable habitat where wildlife can live, feed and breed.
Looking ahead, as facilities are improved, we are exploring new opportunities for people of all ages to visit, learn about the work we do to support wildlife and get involved.
A dedicated Wildlife Haven page is currently being developed.
Our Sanctuary
Since 1997, our Sanctuary has provided lifelong care for captive-bred owls. Over the years, we have welcomed birds from a wide range of backgrounds, including unwanted pets and birds placed into our care following welfare and cruelty cases.
Many of the birds are now older, with unique histories, behaviours and individual needs. Their care reflects those individual needs, providing a calm and stable home where they can enjoy the highest possible standard of care throughout their lives.
As our birds have grown older, we have gradually retired them from public experiences. The Sanctuary is therefore not open to the public, allowing our birds to enjoy a quieter retirement with their welfare and individual needs at the heart of their care.
Our Charity’s Mission
Our mission reflects the charitable purpose that has guided the Barn Owl Centre since becoming a registered charity in 2003.
- Advance the conservation and preservation of wild barn owls and other British owls and raptor species through research and environmental projects.
- Promote biodiversity and encourage the conservation of all wildlife.
- Conserve, maintain, and protect all land managed by the charity for the benefit of the environment, wildlife, and people.
- Provide a working centre with a nature reserve and public amenity areas, offering educational and recreational activities about owls, raptors, and other wildlife species, including native flora.
- Offer a sanctuary to aid the rescue and rehabilitation of owls and raptors.
- Advance public education on owl and raptor welfare and husbandry.