Managers of one of Huddersfield’s largest rural estates have changed their tree felling policy after finding an owl’s nest.

Tree surgeons, on Farnley Estate, were about to chop down a diseased tree earlier this month but stopped after discovering a barn owl’s nest in the upper branches.

The tree was given a stay of execution after eggs were discovered in the nest.

Now managers of the 2,000-acre estate around Farnley Tyas have ordered staff to check higher branches for the nests of valuable birds before chopping or pruning trees.

Manager Paul Elgar said: “In recent years we’ve made a huge effort to improve and maintain the natural habitats of wildlife on the estate, including natural grasslands.

“As a result we’ve seen barn owls and other bird species return to the area.

“To make sure we don’t disturb birds unnecessarily, the new woodland protocol demands a thorough inspection of the upper areas of all trees that must be felled due to disease, rot or loss of limbs.

“The only exception will be if the tree poses an immediate danger to the public.”