Flying into the Future Talk

In Autumn 2023, the Barn Owl Trust developed a new, specifically designed talk for schools and community youth groups called Flying into the Future. This session engages audiences through the medium of storytelling, helping young people learn about Barn Owl habitat and conservation, and introduces the topic of extreme weather and climate change as seen through the eyes of Barn Owls.

 What does the talk involve?

The story begins in the present day and continues forward 25 years in time, following the story of the Barn Owls living on two different farms near the Exe Estuary in Devon. Using storytelling and beautiful footage of Barn Owls, it considers how extreme weather events might affect Barns Owls in the future and how the families on the farms respond to the challenges these weather events bring. Children will learn about Barn Owl habitat, adaptations and predator-prey relationships and consider how they might protect our planet for the future and encourage action to slow climate change. 

After the talk, the session culminates with an appearance by Baley, our volunteer education Barn Owl! He will be free to fly around the room and perch wherever he chooses, giving the children a chance to see a real owl up close and ask as many questions as they like! Baley is never tethered and does not fly for food, he really is a volunteer! Please be aware that there are certain room requirements for the appearance of Baley. These will be discussed at the time of booking.

Sessions are aimed at 7 – 11 year olds and last around 60 minutes. The approximate length of the talk is 35-40 minutes, followed by the opportunity to ask questions and meet Baley the Barn Owl. 

Cost and how to book

Most in-person talks are given in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. The cost is a suggested minimum donation and depends on the travel distance from our base at Ashburton, on the edge of Dartmoor (see below). The prices below are for one class of up to c.30 children and increase by £10 for each extra class. Bookings numbering over 60 children may require 2 sessions. For Pellet Workshops, the maximum number of children per session is c.30. Further classes will require additional sessions.

Suggested minimum donation:

• £50   Online
• £50   Parishes of Ashburton and Buckfastleigh
• £75   Within 40 miles* 
• £80   Within 50 miles*
• £85   Within 60 miles* 
• £90   Within 100 miles* 
• £95   Within 120 miles* 

* Driving distance of the Barn Owl Trust, TQ13 7HU

Please email info@barnowltrust.org.uk for more information and to book.

For more information and to book.

Free* educational materials to download and print.
*Free for personal or educational use.