CONSERVATIONISTS are hoping that new research could help to reverse the staggering decline of one of Britain's best-loved birds.

The barn owl was once common all over the country but has experienced a massive population decline during the past 100 years.

Their numbers are believed to have decreased by as much as 70 per cent and there are now thought to be more in captivity than there are in the wild.

But a new study by York University is seeking more information about the owl's habitat and prey requirements, in the hope of using the knowledge to help increase numbers.

Researcher Nick Askew is focusing his work in North Yorkshire's Derwent Valley, where four years of survey work have revealed one of the densest populations of barn owls in Britain - if not in Europe.

The decline of the barn owl is thought to be the result of agricultural intensification, with its resulting loss of suitable hunting habitat and nest sites.

The birds need areas of rough grassland habitat where they hunt for their preferred prey - the field vole.

Through his study, Mr Askew hopes to increase the understanding of those requirements and intends to assess how the Government's agri-environmental schemes could be used to aid the conservation of the species nationally.

The schemes provide financial incentives for farmers to create and manage suitable habitats for farmland species.

"In Britain today, there are thought to be more barn owls in captivity than in the wild, a trend that may be increasing following the popularity of Harry Potter and his magical helpers," said Mr Askew.

"By using the barn owl as a flagship species to promote habitat creation and management schemes, it is hoped that the national population decline may be reversed along with that of many other nationally threatened species."