The barn owl is a beautiful and widespread owl found throughout the UK and Ireland.  They favour open countryside habitats like farmland, grasslands, and the edges of woodlands.  Unlike many owl species, barn owls often utilise man-made structures for nesting and roosting, including cavities in barns, sheds, and old buildings.  Their primary diet consists of small mammals, with voles being a particularly important food source.

​

Barn owl populations have faced historical declines due to factors like pesticide use and habitat loss.  While numbers are recovering, several ongoing threats remain.  These include:

• Loss of nesting sites: Renovation or demolition of old buildings can eliminate suitable nesting cavities.

• Habitat changes: Modern farming practices that reduce vole populations or remove hedgerows and field edges can impact barn owl prey availability.

• Disturbance: Construction activities near nesting sites can cause stress and breeding failure.

​

Barn owls are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.  This makes it illegal to intentionally or recklessly disturb them at their nest sites.  Developers planning construction projects in potentially suitable habitats may need to conduct barn owl surveys to ensure their work complies with the law.

​

We can provide the following services:

​

Desk Study – We can review existing records and historical data for barn owl activity in the area.

​

Field Survey – We can provide a qualified licensed ecologist to inspect the site for signs of barn owls, including droppings, pellets, feathers, and potential nesting/roosting cavities. Daytime and nighttime surveys might be needed depending on the survey type.

​

The survey results will inform recommendations to minimise impacts on barn owls. 

​

Mitigation – Aven Ecology can advise on suitable mitigation strategies; these may include:

• Installing barn owl nesting boxes in suitable locations to provide alternative nesting sites.

• Timing construction activities to avoid the barn owl breeding season (typically March to August, although they can breed all year round).

• Implementing lighting restrictions to minimize nighttime disturbance if construction is necessary during breeding months.

​

By conducting barn owl surveys and implementing appropriate mitigation measures, developers can ensure their projects progress smoothly while protecting these remarkable birds.