Barn Owl Conservation and Welfare in the UK

Barn owls are one of Britain's most beloved birds but have declined significantly due to habitat loss and rodenticide poisoning, making targeted conservation essential.

Key Facts

The UK barn owl population is estimated at around 4,000 breeding pairs
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides are found in over 80% of barn owls tested
Loss of rough grassland habitat reduces prey availability significantly
Nest box schemes have successfully increased breeding populations in many areas
Road traffic is a leading cause of adult mortality, particularly in winter

Welfare Considerations

Barn owls poisoned by rodenticides suffer from internal haemorrhage and coagulopathy before death. Road traffic collisions cause traumatic injury and death. Starvation in severe winters affects entire populations. Individual welfare is interwoven with population welfare: a species at low population density faces higher welfare risks per individual from disease, winter mortality, and collision. Nest box provision, rodenticide reduction, and rough grassland restoration all directly benefit individual barn owl welfare and survival.

What You Can Do

Install a barn owl nest box in a suitable location following Barn Owl Trust guidance
Avoid use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides wherever possible
Support the Barn Owl Trust financially and through awareness raising
Advocate for rodenticide stewardship schemes that reduce barn owl exposure
Create or maintain rough grassland margins on any land you manage