As a historically persecuted bird of prey, barn owls haven’t had it easy. Like many farmland birds they have suffered loss of habitat and food sources as a result of intensive farming methods and human expansion. Climate change also has a part to play, as erratic weather patterns are detrimental for the owls and their prey. A problem shared by bats and swallows, barn owls have also suffered from a lack of…. well, barns. Conversion or destruction of old farm outbuildings has resulted in less available spaces to roost and nest. This is where barn owl boxes come in. In recent years the population has been steadily recovering, with 80% of UK Barn owls now thought to nest in man-made boxes.

Funded by Farming in Protected Landscapes, the Barn Owl Project is a collaborative effort between Northwest Kent Countryside Partnership (NWKCP), Kent Wildlife Trust and the Darent Valley Farmer Cluster. The project aims to support and monitor local Barn owl populations by installation of boxes across the Darent Valley, located in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

With the support of local groups, volunteers, and landowners, it’s been a busy and productive year for the Barn Owl Project:

Box building and installation

Following guidelines from the The Barn Owl Trust, suitable spots were identified across the Darent Valley. Existing tree-mounted boxes were in place at sites across the area, and individuals had been regularly seen by landowners. A positive start! Alongside practical aspects such as box dimensions and position, it was also important to consider environmental features such as nearby hunting habitat and the suitability of the tree itself. Eight boxes were kindly built by the excellent Dunton Green Shed Project. They, along with KWT’s Darent Valley volunteers, joined the team to install the boxes across the project area.

Monitoring

A first check of the boxes was conducted in July. As expected at this early stage, the fresh boxes were as of yet unoccupied by barn owls. However, investigation of existing boxes proved more successful. Much to the team’s delight, a total of seven barn owl chicks from two different broods were found and ringed. Surprises continued, as upon further inspection of one of the newer boxes in the same field an unexpected guest was discovered; a fledgling little owl. Whilst the chicks and little gate-crasher were ringed, details such as weight and wing length were taken to enable further monitoring of their progress.

Observation

Based on the success of this field including accounts of sightings, a trail camera was mounted facing the new box. Soon enough, the barn owl was captured on camera. This not only gives great insight into their movements, but also provides an opportunity to see these beautiful birds up close. And as the little owl has shown us (with poses ranging from cute-as-heck to downright sassy) other species are also using this space; Great spotted woodpecker, kestrel and a very bold, or foolish, blue tit.

Engagement

Fittingly hosted in a barn, North West Kent Countryside Partnership and Kent Wildlife Trust held an October event attended by both local landowners and members of the public. A known barn owl site, the plan was to set out into the fading Autumn sun to catch glimpse of our hero hovering above the generous field margins. Sadly, the British weather had other plans. Despite a soaking en route, undeterred attendees also got involved with a pellet dissection. Pellets, formed of indigestible parts of prey such as bones and fur, are regurgitated by owls and other birds of prey after eating. They hold secrets to an owls diet, and make for a fascinating fact-finding activity, as shown here by the findings of two future conservationists in the making. Due to the success of the first, another event is planned for 2024.

Do you want to build an owl box?

If you feel inspired to create your own space for these beautiful birds, The Barn Owl Trust has loads of helpful information to support you to do so. It is important to note if you are considering making your own owl box that like many birds in the UK, barn owls are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), and it is therefore illegal to disturb them unless licensed to do so.

Species recovery

This re-creation of space for nature, through installation of boxes along with further habitat restoration through more environmentally friendly farming practices, is fundamental to improving biodiversity in the area. Not only are the barn owls themselves thriving, but so is the ecosystem they form part of. For instance, a key species for the Darent Valley Landscape Recovery Pilot, water voles are in severe decline in the UK. Improving the state of our farmland and rivers supports protection of these animals. They in turn are prey for the owls, along with other small mammals such as shrews and mice. Other key species within the project are also benefitting from this habitat restoration, such as yellowhammer, adder and brown trout.

Nationally, the barn owl’s resurgence as a result of positive human activity in the form of man-made boxes is promising. This approach is one we must take to right the wrongs of historical and ongoing human impact on the natural world, and one that we are delivering through collaborations such as the Barn Owl Project and the Darent Valley Landscape Recovery. Our latest update from the trail camera in early December is an exciting one and a first for the new boxes; two barn owls in the same shot. Our hope; that they continue to flourish across the Darent Valley and again become a regular sight at dusk and dawn. Poised ghostly on a post or sweeping low across the land, head down, hunting. Light in the dark.