GOOD news as a nationally important collection of owls could be heading back to Cumbria.

World Owl Trust has put in an application to Eden District Council to set up home in Kirby Thore, at the existing Silverband Falconry, in Whiteacres.

The trust left Muncaster Castle, near Ravenglass, about five years ago after a dispute with Peter Frost-Pennington who ran the estate.

The castle had been home to the trust for three decades before it left in 2015, with many of the 100 plus collection of owls being housed in the west midlands.

In March last year it had also reported that it was negotiating with Appleby Castle to set up the centre there.

The application aims to create a temporary owl and bird of prey visitor centre including aviaries, toilet block, reception and parking area for 50 cars - which they want to set up by April.

Richard Cooper, chief executive officer of the trust, who lives at the address, and runs the falconry. said: "It is one of the most important collections of owls in the country.

"We have been looking for a home since we left Muncaster Castle so we are looking here - it is a wildflower meadow which we don't use for anything at the moment.

"It's a great place to house the owls. We have over 100 owls, all different species from Costa Rica to Africa.

"The trust is really about conservation - it is almost like a Noah's Ark for owls

The design and access statement on Eden District Council's website states: "The proposal is for the erection of 45 aviaries of various sizes as indicated on the block plan.

"The aviaries will allow for the housing of the owls and birds of prey that are currently housed all over the country since the World Owl Trust moved from their site in Muncaster Castle.

Species include Eagle Owls and Barn Owls.

"The central field would continue to be used for flying the birds and displays. A deer fence is also proposed around the site as indicated with the green dotted line on the block plan.

"The proposal is for a temporary consent of three years to allow a more permanent World Owl Trust site to be established.

"Due to the need to house some of the owls the siting of the aviaries has started."

"The site would allow visitors to view the birds on the site and allow the site to be an education facility for visitors."

It added: "The proposal would enhance the tourism activities within the area.

"The site is 15 minutes from Centre Parcs, Whinfell thus within easy reach of the visitors to the site.

"The proposal is for a temporary period to allow the trust to investigate potential long-term sites."

Access to the centre will be open to trust members - which costs £19 per year.

Go online to owls.org