Shropshire has seen a rise in the number of barn owls due to a successful nest box scheme initiated by the Shropshire Barn Owl Group.

The group, a member of the Shropshire Biodiversity Partnership, has installed over 200 barn owl boxes across the county since 2002, helping the population begin a recovery after a long and significant decline.

Barn owl nest boxes provided, installed and monitored by the dedicated team of volunteers who make up the Shropshire Barn Owl Group have produced more chicks since 2002 than natural nest sites monitored by the group. Barn owls using natural nest sites are breeding well but nest boxes are clearly having a positive effect on the population in Shropshire.

The decline of barn owls began in the last 100 years or so and is thought to have been due to less nest sites and loss of habitats for hunting.

The Shropshire Biodiversity Partnership ‘action plan’ for the barn owl in Shropshire is being led by the Shropshire Barn Owl Group along with Shropshire County Council, The Upper Onny Wildlife Group, Forestry Commission and Environment Agency. The action plan has helped to provide artificial nest sites in boxes matched with suitable habitat which has helped increase the number of barn owls in Shropshire.

The Shropshire Barn Owl Group is keen keep providing nest boxes and can provide advice to landowners. Barn owl sightings by members of the public are very useful for this work and can be reported to the Shropshire Ornithological Society by following the link on this page to their website or by contacting the Shropshire Wildlife Trust on 01743 284280 or emailing enquiries@ShropshireWildlifeTrust.org.uk.

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