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30 March 2015
The Barn Owl Trust has collated data from a number of interest groups around the country.
Known barn owl nesting sites were monitored, and results compared with previous years. While some areas showed dramatic decreases in the number of active nesting sites, overall the number of nests identified was up by some 20%.
Less ambiguous was an almost universal increase in the sizes of the broods observed. The average number of live young observed was over 4.5 compared to an average in previous years of just 3.2.
While dedicated observers have noted these significant improvements in 2014, this follows a very poor 2013. The authors credit the efforts of the local groups both in providing data and in the conservation work that is contributing to the species' improved breeding success. The provision of nesting boxes is thought to have made the greatest contribution but juvenile deaths on trunk roads and the effects of rat poisons remain of concern.
The continued breeding success of our UK barn owls in 2015 looks hopeful following a mild winter.
