“H-owl do you do!” – We have new visitors!

Boulby Mine, traditionally known for its rich mineral deposits, has recently captured attention for an entirely different reason: its thriving wildlife. The site has become a sanctuary for various species, proving that industrial landscapes can coexist harmoniously with nature. Among the notable inhabitants are Slow worms, Tadpoles and Great crested newts, all of which are indicators of a healthy ecosystem. However, the fantastic news this month comes from a recent discovery made by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust: the presence of four barn owl chicks.

Colin Gibson – The Owl Man – checking the boxes at Boulby.

These barn owl chicks, around six to seven weeks old, have been successfully ringed by wildlife expert Colin ‘The Owl Man’ Gibson, marking a significant milestone in the conservation efforts at Boulby Mine. The chicks, identified as two males, one female, and one too young to sex, are thriving in their habitat, indicating that the environment at the mine is ideal for these majestic birds. Barn owls are known for their sensitivity to environmental changes, due to the wet weather over the past few months barn owls have had fewer chicks. Some may say it’s been ‘Too wet to woo’ so their successful breeding at this site is a testament to the quality of the habitat.

Two of the young owls that currently reside at Boulby Mine.

The sight of these young owls doing well brings great joy and optimism to conservationists and the local community. It underscores the importance of preserving and nurturing natural habitats, even in areas dominated by industrial activity. The efforts by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Boulby’s Environmental Team show how proactive measures can lead to positive outcomes for wildlife. As these barn owl chicks continue to grow, they prove that with careful management, even the most unexpected places can become thriving ecosystems.