Wildlife

Wild Barn Owl Nest Box Provision

Barn owl nest box programmes have successfully increased breeding pairs in many areas, providing welfare benefits through secure nesting sites in agricultural landscapes with declining natural cavities.

Key Facts

Barn owls nest in old trees and farm buildings that are increasingly rare in modern landscapes
Nest box provision in suitable territories produces measurable population increases
Barn owl nest boxes should be positioned on poles or buildings away from roads
Monitoring of nest boxes provides welfare data including productivity and chick condition
Barn owl populations have stabilised in the UK partly through targeted nest box programmes

Welfare Considerations

Barn owl welfare depends on secure nesting sites that nest box programmes effectively provide. Well-placed and monitored boxes deliver both breeding welfare and population data.

What You Can Do

Install barn owl nest boxes in suitable agricultural landscapes following guidance
Monitor nest box occupancy and productivity through local wildlife groups
Position boxes at least 3 metres high and away from road traffic
Support nest box monitoring schemes that provide population welfare data