RESIDENTS across Dorset are being urged to help 'build a picture of what is happening to our most widespread owl'.

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is asking members of the public to spend 20 minutes a week listening out for tawny owls.

Evidence suggests the UK's Tawny Owl population is falling and it might be they are being lost them from towns and cities, the BTO fears.

Claire Boothby, tawny owl calling survey organiser at the BTO, said: "Getting involved couldn’t be simpler, just wrap up warm and give yourself 20 minutes to listen for the haunting calls of tawny owls between now and the end of March.

"You can listen from your garden, local wood or park, or even from the comfort of the sofa with your window open, and tell us whether or not you hear an owl.

"Don’t worry if you don’t hear one in your 20 minutes, that record is just as valuable."

Visit bto.org.owls for more information.