Shropshire Wildlife Trust would like to hear of any barn owl sightings near roads in the county as part of a "Save Our Owls" initiative.

A heart-shaped face, golden back and wings and pure white underparts make the barn owl a distinctive and much-loved countryside bird.

"Sometimes you catch a glimpse of this beautiful white owl in the headlights at this time of year.

"But sometimes, sadly, the birds are often killed on the roads," said Viv Geen, of Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

Now the Highways Agency wants to do something to stop this barn owl mortality.

If they have information about where there are traffic blackspots for owls, they will then plant trees and shrubs along the verges so the owls don't fly so low across the roads.

"If we know where barn owls are likely to be present it's possible to reduce the hazards they face.

"We're delighted the Highways Agency is supporting our work to protect barn owls across the county," said John Lightfoot, of Shropshire Barn Owl Group.

Widely distributed across the UK, and indeed the world, the barn owl has suffered decline over the past 50 years as a result of intensive farming practices.

There are currently estimated to be just 121 breeding pairs in Shropshire.

Send your sightings of owls, especially barn owls, to Viv Geen at Shropshire Wildlife Trust, stating where and when birds were seen. Send either by post to Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY10 9BH or e-mail: vivgeen@shropshirewt.cix.co.uk