Wildlife

Wild Tawny Owl Woodland Welfare

Tawny owls are the UK's most common owl species but face pressures from woodland loss, rodenticide poisoning and road mortality in urban fringe areas.

Key Facts

Tawny owls are highly territorial and sedentary, rarely moving more than 5 km from their birth site
Woodland loss and fragmentation reduces hunting territory and nest site availability
Secondary rodenticide poisoning occurs when owls consume poisoned rodents
Road mortality is significant for juveniles dispersing in autumn
Nest boxes are used successfully in managed woodlands where natural tree holes are scarce

Welfare Considerations

Tawny owl welfare is closely linked to woodland quality and management. Reducing rodenticide use and maintaining old trees with natural cavities are the most impactful individual actions.

What You Can Do

Avoid second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in and around gardens and woodland
Install tawny owl nest boxes in managed woodland where natural cavities are limited
Report tawny owl mortality and sightings to your local wildlife trust