Little Owl Welfare and Nest Box Provision in Farmland

Little owls have declined significantly across the UK, and nest box programs on sympathetically managed farms can provide substitute nesting sites where appropriate cavities in old trees, stone walls, and farm buildings have been lost.

Key Facts

Little owl populations declined 64% in the UK since 1995
They nest in cavities including old trees, stone walls, farm buildings, and rabbit burrows
Modern farm buildings are typically too well-sealed to provide entry points for little owls
Nest boxes fixed to mature trees or fence posts can compensate for cavity loss
Little Owl Project coordinates monitoring and nest box schemes across England

Welfare Considerations

Little owls without suitable nest cavities on their territory cannot breed. The loss of old apple orchards, stone walls, and traditional farm buildings has eliminated many traditional nest sites. Nest box programs that provide appropriately sized and positioned boxes (oval entrance 65mm x 85mm) directly improve the welfare and breeding opportunities of pairs that have territory but lack nest sites. Monitoring of nest box occupancy confirms where boxes are being used and allows adaptive management.

What You Can Do

Install little owl nest boxes in farmland with appropriate habitat
Support Little Owl Project monitoring and nest box recording schemes
Preserve old apple orchards and stone walls that provide natural little owl nest sites
Donate to Hawk and Owl Trust little owl conservation programs
Advocate for agri-environment scheme guidance on farmland owl habitat management