Plans have been submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council for the creation of a new flying arena and aviaries for owls and birds of prey at the former Newton Rigg agricultural college site, where The World Owl Trust is now based.
The application, jointly submitted by The World Owl Trust and Thornton Meat Company Limited, proposes a development that would provide a new home for owls and birds of prey as part of a visitor centre for the trust.
If approved, the indoor flying arena and aviaries will be built in a range of sizes to accommodate different species. The aviaries will be constructed in woodland at the Newton Rigg site, linked to the building the trust currently operates from, which was formerly used as the college’s animal care facility.
The woodland area the flying arena and aviaries will be built in previously contained bark paths and pens used by the college for Forestry lessons and teaching coppicing. The planted trees and other self-setters have now grown significantly, and the proposed paths and aviaries would allow for the trees and woodland to be retained. The indoor arena will be located in an area of woodland suffering with ash dieback in the trees which requires clearance irrespective of the application.
The aviaries are planned to be made with timber frames and weld mesh, with some areas using soft netting to protect the birds. The proposed flying arena will feature a low-pitched roof and will be clad in green steel.
The World Owl Trust, known for its conservation and breeding work, intends to use the new facilities for educational purposes and as part of its visitor offering, adding to the area’s tourism appeal.
According to the application, the development would provide employment for approximately six full-time and four part-time staff, alongside volunteer and work experience opportunities. The trust also aims to use the site to educate the wider community and school groups about conservation and birds of prey.
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
