Wildlife

Kestrel Welfare on Farmland

Kestrels have declined dramatically on UK farmland due to loss of rough grassland foraging habitat, reduced prey availability and changes in agricultural management that have eliminated hunting opportunities.

Key Facts

The UK kestrel population has declined by 46% since 1995
Kestrels are highly dependent on short-tailed field voles as their primary prey
Loss of rough grassland field margins and verges has reduced vole populations significantly
Nest box schemes on farms can partially compensate for loss of traditional tree cavity nest sites

Welfare Considerations

Kestrel welfare on farmland is primarily compromised by prey scarcity caused by agricultural intensification. Kestrels hunting over improved grassland or arable fields with no rough margins must work much harder per prey item, depleting energy reserves. Nest failure due to prey shortage is a welfare problem as well as a conservation concern.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that create rough grass margins and field corners
Install kestrel nest boxes on farm buildings and isolated trees in suitable open habitat
Avoid unnecessary mowing of road verges and field margins between March and August
Record kestrel sightings via BTO BirdTrack to contribute to population monitoring