Gloucestershire Barn Owl
Barn owls are an indicator species, signalling the health of ecosystems and the biodiversity of species within these. With our changing landscape, barn owl numbers have declined (by 70% since 1930’s). Intensive agriculture, expanding road systems, loss of hedgerows and rough grassland have all led to a loss of habitat and food supply. They are now legally protected against disturbance. Areas of rough grassland are needed to sustain vole-rich habitats for these birds to survive. Barn owls are part of the living landscape of Gloucestershire and its natural heritage. I have painted the county of Gloucestershire within this owl. The county border and the River Severn are hand painted in gold medium forming part of the upper wing.