Little Owl Welfare: Farmland Habitat Loss in the UK 2026

The little owl, introduced to the UK in the nineteenth century, is now declining as farmland changes reduce its prey and nesting sites.

Key Facts

Little owls were introduced to the UK from Europe in the 1870s-1880s and became established breeders
The UK population has declined by around 50% since the 1970s, triggering amber conservation status
They nest in holes in old trees, farm buildings, stone walls, and earth banks
Little owls feed on earthworms, beetles, small mammals, and occasionally small birds
Loss of old orchards, hay meadows, and rough grassland has removed key foraging habitat

Welfare Considerations

Little owl welfare is primarily challenged by the loss of diverse, prey-rich farmland habitats. Intensive grassland management reduces earthworm abundance, while pesticide use diminishes invertebrate prey availability. Loss of old trees and traditional farm buildings removes nest sites. Individual welfare is compromised by food shortages, particularly for breeding pairs attempting to raise young. Targeted farmland management for little owls - including maintaining rough grassland, old orchards, and providing nest boxes - has been shown to benefit local populations.

What You Can Do

Install little owl nest boxes on farms and traditional orchards
Maintain rough grassland strips and margins with diverse invertebrate communities
Support agri-environment schemes targeting rough grassland and orchard habitat
Report little owl sightings and breeding attempts to local wildlife trusts and BTO