Wildlife

Wild Kestrel Nest Box and Habitat Provision

Kestrel populations have declined significantly in the UK, and provision of nest boxes in appropriate habitat supports their recovery.

Key Facts

Kestrels declined by over 50% in the UK between the 1970s and 2010s
Loss of rough grassland has reduced vole prey availability
Kestrels nest in holes in trees, buildings, and on pylons
Nest box schemes have been effective in supporting local populations
Rodenticide use affects kestrels through secondary poisoning of their prey

Welfare Considerations

Kestrels experiencing prey shortage spend more energy searching and may fail to raise chicks, causing starvation of young. Nest boxes help where cavities are limiting, but prey availability remains the primary welfare driver. Grassland restoration is the more fundamental solution.

What You Can Do

Put up kestrel nest boxes in areas with rough grassland nearby
Advocate for grassland margin management under agri-environment schemes
Support campaigns to regulate rodenticide use in agriculture