Wildlife

Wild Kestrel: Farmland Recovery and Nest Box Support

Kestrel populations have declined significantly from farmland intensification, with nest box programmes supporting recovery.

Key Facts

UK kestrel numbers declined by 46% between 1970 and 2016 on monitored sites
Kestrels depend on rough grassland with field vole populations for hunting success
Nest boxes on pylons and telegraph poles are used by kestrels where natural nest sites are scarce
Agri-environment measures including rough grass strips significantly improve kestrel breeding density

Welfare Considerations

Kestrels that cannot find sufficient prey from depleted rough grassland face starvation, particularly in winter. Nest box provision extends breeding opportunity into areas with insufficient natural cavities. Each supported breeding pair represents welfare benefit for the adult birds and their chicks.

What You Can Do

Install kestrel nest boxes on pylons and large trees in open farmland
Support agri-environment schemes requiring rough grass margins for farmland raptors
Report kestrel breeding evidence to BTO BirdTrack for population monitoring