Wildlife

Kestrel Welfare and Decline

The kestrel, once Britain's most common raptor, has declined by 36% since the 1970s due to prey loss, agricultural intensification, and habitat change.

Key Facts

Kestrels are the only UK bird that can hover in still air
They can see ultraviolet light to detect vole urine trails in grass
A kestrel requires 4-8 voles per day
UK kestrel population fell from 150,000 pairs in the 1970s to around 46,000
They can survive for just 3-4 days without food

Welfare Considerations

Kestrels hunting road verges face high mortality from traffic. Agricultural intensification removes rough grassland and prey. Heavy rainfall reduces hunting efficiency - kestrels cannot hunt in driving rain. Starvation in juveniles dispersing in autumn is a significant welfare concern. Nest disturbance during the breeding season causes egg abandonment. Many kestrels found injured by the public are road traffic casualties.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes maintaining rough grassland
Install kestrel nest boxes on barns and mature trees
Reduce driving speed near road verges where kestrels hunt
Advocate for wildlife-friendly farming practices
Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if you find an injured kestrel