Wildlife Welfare

Barn Owl Box Scheme Welfare

Barn owl box schemes provide artificial nest sites that compensate for the loss of natural nesting opportunities in old farm buildings, significantly boosting population welfare.

Key Facts

Barn owl populations in the UK fell by 70% during the 20th century
Loss of old farm buildings and hollow trees has removed most traditional nest sites
Purpose-built nest boxes in suitable habitat can support productive breeding pairs
Box scheme success depends on appropriate location, height, and monitoring
Barn owls are legally protected; handling requires a licence but monitoring is freely permitted

Welfare Considerations

Barn owl box schemes are one of the most cost-effective wildlife welfare interventions available to landowners, directly providing breeding opportunity that would otherwise be absent.

What You Can Do

Install a barn owl box in appropriate rural habitat on your land
Monitor box success each breeding season and report to your local barn owl trust
Support barn owl conservation charities with donations or volunteering