A FARM aiming to rewild its land has launched a £3,000 fundraising appeal in a bid to create a new aviary after rescuing an abandoned baby owl.

Jordan’s Farm, in Wakes Colne, is handing 21 acres of its 35 acres of farmland back to nature as part of the rewilding project.

The land was acquired by Alex Stevenson last year and she is leading the project to rewild her ‘outback’ land to help the environment.

Now the farm is seeking £3,000 in support after rescuing Jordan the baby barn owl.

The project would see a new pre-release aviary built to provide a home for rescued owls and other birds of prey before releasing them back into the wild.

Jordan was rescued when he was an owlet after it became clear his parents weren’t feeding him.

It was discovered Jordan was the last surviving chick and he was taken in by the farm and Stephanie Callister-Jarrold from Owl and Bird of Prey Rescue Essex and Suffolk.

After rescuing Jordan the number of birds at the farm has grown, with another barn owl chick from White Notley being rescued.

Alex said: “Stephanie had asked if we would consider building an aviary for her birds to be returned to the wild as she had been inundated this year and needed a second site. 

“So it was quite timely that a short while later we were calling her for her help and sitting down to really think about the logistics and finances of a pre-release aviary so Jordan could one day come back ‘home’.

“I will do anything to get the word out about how important a healthy environment is for both wildlife and humans.”

Fundraising is ramping up and it is now being supported with an auction by Rory Appleton-Claydon, aged six, who has donated a painting to be auctioned off.

The auction will begin on Friday, November 25, and close on December 28.

A link will be on the website, jordansfarm.co.uk. 

Once the aviary is built, Alex will be doing an ‘Owl Special’ walk and talk at the farm in the new year and the winning bidder will also be invited along for a personal tour.