Wildlife

Wild Barn Owl Nest Box Network

Building nest box networks for barn owls as a conservation strategy and what makes them effective.

Key Facts

Barn owl nest box programs have reversed population decline in some areas
Box design including internal dimensions and entrance hole placement affects occupancy and chick survival
Boxes must be positioned to avoid access by cats and other predators
Monitoring of occupied boxes provides population data and identifies welfare issues
Community nest box networks engage landowners in barn owl conservation

Welfare Considerations

Nest box provision directly addresses barn owl welfare by providing secure breeding sites where natural sites have been lost. Boxes that are correctly designed, positioned, and monitored deliver both breeding success and welfare data that informs conservation management.

What You Can Do

Install barn owl nest boxes on suitable farmland or rural buildings
Join a local barn owl monitoring scheme to contribute population data
Support Barn Owl Trust nest box programs in areas with declining populations