Come and visit the largest collection of rare owls in the world at this unique conservation charity.
In the beautiful grounds of Muncaster Castle in Cumbria is the World Owl Trust, a global charity that works in the conservation of endangered owls and their habitats. Visitors can view rare breeds of owls up close and there are various opportunities to see them in action with flying displays.
With more than 200 birds living within the gardens, it is largest collection of owls in the world and has 48 different species from the largest European Eagle Owl to the smallest Pigmy and Scoop owls. There are also Barn and Ural owls, Milk Eagle Owls, Great Grey Owls and rare Burrowing and Ethiopian Eagle Owls.
The World Owl Trust is the world's leading owl conservation organisation and promotes research, habitat, creation and restoration, captive breeding and release programmes, while all the time educating in the preservation of endangered species. Extensive breeding programmes also take place here as well as research and training. The on-site wildlife hospital also works to treat and rehabilitate injured animals and aims to release them back into the wild where possible.
On-site there is a cafe, owl shop and gift shop, and visitors shouldn't miss the heronry below the bank of the cannon within the castle's grounds; every day at 4pm wild herons come here to be fed.
As a note, the World Owl Trust is expected to leave its current site at Muncaster Castle in May 2015 and relocate to a new base in the West Midlands.
