SIR - Many readers realise that the poor weather conditions last year proved to be detrimental to the barn owl breeding cycle.

However, we have some very exciting findings to report for this spring. A number of boxes have been checked and all the boxes inspected so far this year have birds sitting on eggs/young.

In one location, there are a pair of barn owls sitting on four young and just 600 metres away there is another pair sitting on a clutch of eggs.

It is very unusual in this day and age to have two pairs breeding in such close proximity - so this clearly suggests that the habitat is rich in voles and other rodents, their main source of food.

In this particular area, we closely liaised with the farmers and landowners in habitat creation and are delighted that our joint efforts have paid rich dividends.

Incidentally, in the same area, one of our barn owl boxes has been inhabited by kestrels. They now have three young.

Clearly the environment is improving for these wonderful birds of prey and owls.

ROY FOWLER Worcester Barn Owl Conservation Group, Worcester.