Wildlife

UK Hobby and Kestrel Farmland Welfare

Conservation of hobbies and kestrels sharing UK farmland habitats and their welfare needs.

Key Facts

Kestrel populations have declined by over 50% since the 1970s due to prey depletion
Hobbies have expanded as climate has warmed while kestrels have declined
Both species depend on rough grassland with abundant small mammals and invertebrates
Nest boxes have supported kestrel populations in areas with few suitable nest trees
Loss of rough grassland through agricultural intensification is the primary kestrel welfare threat

Welfare Considerations

Individual kestrels face welfare pressures from prey depletion in intensively farmed landscapes, with rough grassland management and nest box provision delivering direct welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Install kestrel nest boxes on suitable barn or pole sites
Support Hawk and Owl Trust kestrel conservation programmes
Advocate for rough grassland margins in agri-environment schemes