Live footage of Heligan's owls to air on BBC

For the second time, live footage of the barn owl family at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall, will air on BBC Springwatch.

Three eggs were laid and hatched successfully between June 7 and 12, and both parent owls have been providing a steady flow of treats for their young chicks.

When footage previously aired in 2007, one of the parent owls was lost, leading to a lack of food which caused the eldest chick to eat two of his younger siblings.

Jim Briggs, Heligan wildlife and estate manager explained how the land is managed sensitively to create the perfect habitat and conditions for barn owls, offering hope for this year's brood.

"Our permanent pasture land is not intensively grazed and around hay meadows margins are left uncut, to ensure habitat for voles and mice; the barn owls' primary food source.

"Our wildlife cameras give us an intimate view of the lives of the creatures that we share the gardens and estate with and we are often lucky to witness behaviour not normally seen."

The barn owl chicks will be live on camera throughout the summer, and are expected to fledge in August.

Image credit: Lost Gardens of Heligan/Onshore Media