REARING owls isn't a traditional Lancashire hobby but that's how nature-lover in Leyland spends his free time.

Bill Higham, or Barn Owl Bill, has a thriving menagerie in the back garden of his small terraced home in Broadfield.

The father-of-two started his unusual pastime seven years ago when he received his first feathered friend as a gift. Since then his enterprise had grown and he now has six barn owls, three Bengali owls and two kestrels.

But he doesn't sell them - Bill's ambition is to release as many as possible back to the wilds. He currently looks after about six a year which he passes on to an authorised breeder to set free.

Bill, who doesn't work because of a disability, regards his hobby as a vital part of preserving the species - owl numbers are falling dramatically each year.

"As I'm disabled, this is my way of enjoying nature and doing something to protect it," he said. Not all Bill's owls are released. He has kept some including a barn owl named Pauly. Now he travels round schools, colleges and fetes with her, raising awareness about the plight of the birds. He doesn't charge but asks for a small donation to help pay for their upkeep. If you want them to attend one of your functions call him on 01772 463221.

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