Wildlife Welfare

Wild Barn Owl Nest Box Success

How nest box programmes are supporting barn owl populations and individual bird welfare.

Key Facts

Barn owl populations declined dramatically through the 20th century due to habitat loss and rodenticides
Nest box provision has contributed to population recovery in areas with suitable foraging habitat
Barn owls are highly site-faithful and will use the same box for decades if undisturbed
Rodenticide secondary poisoning remains the greatest current welfare threat to barn owls

Welfare Considerations

Barn owl nest boxes are among the most cost-effective wildlife welfare interventions available. Each occupied box supports multiple breeding attempts over decades, providing both individual welfare benefit and population recovery. Rodenticide elimination around occupied territories compounds these benefits.

What You Can Do

Install a barn owl nest box in suitable habitat - open farmland with rough grass margins
Never use second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides near barn owl territories
Support the Barn Owl Trust monitoring and nest box placement programmes