TWO hundred owls are being moved from their home at Muncaster Castle, ending links that go back more than a quarter of a century.

The World Owl Trust (WOT) says it will move its renowned sanctuary to the West Midlands after controversially being given a notice to quit its Ravenglass centre by May 6.

It will be replaced by a new bird of prey centre run by the Hawk Conservancy Trust (HCT).

The original agreement between the WOT and Muncaster's owners allowed the trust to keep owls at the castle until 2046.

But a wrangle over the future of the contract led to a rift between the two parties and the notice to quit was issued more than a year ago.

The WOT currently owns the world's largest collection of owls, representing around 50 species - some of them the world's rarest.

The charity says half the birds will go on display to the public at a new owl breeding and education centre at Rodbaston Agricultural College, Penkridge, Staffordshire, where they will form part of the college's popular Animal Zone visitor attraction.

The remaining owls will be relocated to alternative accommodation elsewhere within the UK.

The WOT said in a statement: "We are extremely grateful to the college for allowing us to join them in their important work.

"This move forms part of the trust's long term plan to permanently relocate the World Owl Centre to a new base in the West Midlands where the whole collection will be on display. It is hoped the move will be completed in 2016."

Peter Frost-Pennington, of Muncaster Castle, revealed the attraction had been 'incubating' plans with the HTC since last autumn.

"We are very excited about the opportunities our partnership with the Hawk Conservancy Trust opens up to us," he said.

"Our enthusiastic team of falconers are currently working hard in Hampshire with the birds they will be bringing here soon."

Penny Smout, chief executive officer of the HCT, said: "We are delighted to be working with the team at Muncaster Castle to lend our expertise to support their plans. It is a spectacular venue."