Wildlife Welfare

Wild Barn Owl Nest Box Programs

Barn owl nest box programs have been among the most successful wildlife welfare interventions, supporting populations that declined with traditional farm building loss.

Key Facts

Barn owl populations declined by over 70% in the UK during the 20th century
Loss of old farm buildings with nest sites was a primary driver of decline
Purpose-built nest boxes in suitable habitats have driven significant population recovery
Nest box monitoring schemes provide valuable population data for conservation
Barn owls are voracious rodent predators providing natural pest control to farmers

Welfare Considerations

Barn owl nest box programs demonstrate that targeted, practical welfare interventions can reverse population declines and improve welfare at a population level. The welfare benefit extends to chicks who would otherwise not have survived.

What You Can Do

Install a barn owl nest box if you have suitable habitat (farmland, rough grassland)
Support the Barn Owl Trust or equivalent national monitoring program
Monitor installed boxes and report data to conservation recording schemes