Wild Animals

Wild Kestrel Agricultural Landscape

Kestrels are one of the most recognisable farmland raptors, but have declined significantly as rough grassland and field margins have disappeared from intensively farmed landscapes.

Key Facts

UK kestrel population declined by 36% between 1995 and 2020
They depend on rough grassland for hunting short-tailed voles which form 75% of their diet
Rough grass field margins of 6 metres width can support kestrel territories on arable farms
Kestrels frequently nest in old crow nests, barns and purpose-built nest boxes

Welfare Considerations

Kestrels in intensively farmed areas with little rough grassland spend disproportionate time searching for prey over inadequate habitat. Energy expenditure during breeding exceeds intake in poor vole years, causing chick starvation and adult condition loss. Road margins provide some alternative habitat but expose hunting birds to vehicle strike mortality.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes including field margin creation on arable farms
Install kestrel nest boxes on barns and poles at field edges
Advocate for mandatory rough grass margin requirements in agricultural support schemes
Record kestrel observations via BTO BirdTrack to contribute to population monitoring