Ceredigion Barn Owl Project
Barn owls numbers are declining across the United Kingdom due to habitat loss, food supply reduction and increased mortality risks.
The aim of the Ceredigion Barn Owl Project is to install barn owl nest boxes and habitat restoration across Ceredigion. Initially the project will focus on Cross Inn and Caerwedros as there is a known nesting population of barn owls in the area.
Why are barn owl numbers declining?
- Habitat Loss — Loss of rough grassland habitat and removal of old barns and mature trees reduce hunting and nesting sites for barn owls.
- Food supply reduction — The decline in small mammal populations negatively impacts barn owl survival because these owls primarily rely on small mammals like voles and mice for food. A reduction in their prey leads to lower breeding success and survival rates for barn owls.
- Increased mortality risks — Barn owls are often killed by vehicles, especially when hunting near roads. Pesticides contribute to barn owl declines, mainly through rodent poisons (rodenticides).
What are the aims of the project?
- Put up and monitor well-designed nest boxes — The boxes we will use are chemical-free, rot-proof, fully weather-resistant, lightweight and easy to install.
- Create/protect rough grassland for hunting — Tussocky, longer grass along field margins, hedgerows, ditches/edges, and avoid over-grazing or repeated short mowing is ideal for barn owls.
- Reduce risks from humans — Placing boxes away from roads and rodent poison harm by managing rats/mice in ways that minimise secondary poisoning of owls.
Where should a barn owl box be installed?
Barn owls prefer quiet locations with open countryside nearby for hunting. Ideal sites include:
- inside barns or agricultural buildings
- mounted in mature trees on field edges
- quiet corners of farmyards
A quiet location, where the entrance is visible to approaching barn owls, at a height of around 12–15ft (3.5–5 metres) is suitable for external barn owl nest boxes. Location and surrounding habitat are usually more important than achieving an exact height.
What can you do?
Contact us to report barn owl sightings or if you think you may have identified a possible nest site. And let us know if you think you know of a suitable place for a barn owl box.