Wildlife

Wild Long-eared Owl Welfare

Long-eared owls are scarce and cryptic UK residents with their welfare shaped by prey availability and nest site access.

Key Facts

Long-eared owls are among the UK's least studied owls
They rely primarily on field voles for food
Nest sites are in dense young conifers or hawthorn thickets
Winter roost counts reveal population presence
Climate change may affect vole cycles driving owl reproduction

Welfare Considerations

Long-eared owls dependent on vole populations face boom-and-bust welfare cycles. Years of low vole population reduce breeding success. Supporting rough grassland near young conifer stands benefits this elusive owl.

What You Can Do

Support rough grassland management near young forestry
Report long-eared owl sightings to local wildlife groups
Donate to owl research and monitoring