Registered Charity No. 299 835

Barn Owls have co-existed with man for thousands of years, but over the last century their population in the wild has decreased dramatically. The causes of this decline are all man made and unfortunately reflect man's attitude to the environment.

If we lived in harmony with nature, then this beautiful bird would benefit from our land use. The objectives of the Barn Owl Trust are to conserve the Barn Owl and its environment.

WHY HAS THE BARN OWL DECLINED?

The main factor is loss of habitat. Largely because of intensive farming there is less food available to Barn Owls, and this has severely limited the species' ability to recover from natural short-term fluctuations in population.

Road deaths are also a serious problem. Between 3,000 and 5,000 Barn Owls may be killed each year on Britain's roads.

Finally, climatic changes may be having an adverse effect. Global pollution and habitat destruction are changing the world's weather to which the Barn Owl is particularly sensitive.

Nationally, these are major factors. Other causes are important locally - secondary poisoning from rodenticides, barn conversions evicting owls from ancestral sites, and persecution of the birds themselves - all have adverse effects.

RESTORING THE BALANCE

The Barn Owl Trust believes that through the plight of the Barn Owl we can increase awareness of the environment and help to reverse the decline of this, one of Britain's most beautiful birds.

IMPROVING HABITAT

Through contact with farmers and other land-owners, we can bring home the message of the Barn Owls decline and suggest many ways in which habitat improvements can be made. The Trust recommends the creation of rough grassland which supports a high Field Vole population - the Barn Owls main prey item. We provide information on nestboxes - most modern barns are unsuitable without one. We press for the maintenance of old stone barns and point out the benefits of less intensive sustainable agriculture. Habitat improvements which benefit Barn Owls are also of great value to other forms of wildlife, including flowers, butterflies and bats.

ROAD CASUALTIES

In many areas roadside verges offer the best hunting grounds for Barn Owls. However, the combination of rough grassland and fast moving traffic is fatal. Research shows that 60% of all known Barn Owl deaths occur on the roads. The creation of good hunting areas away from major roads can help to offset these losses. The Barn Owl Trust cares for up to 60 birds at any one time including permanently disabled road casualties. The Trust also operates an emergency help line.

RESEARCH

Since 1985 we have led the field in research into the effectiveness of Barn Owl Re-Introduction and in 1989 we published the first ever report on this subject with a subsequent report in 1995. During 1992 we worked closely with the Department of the Environment on developing a structure for licensing the release of captive bred Barn Owls into the wild. In 1990 the Trust began a Barn Conversion Research Project and in 1995 published the first ever report on the effects of the loss of agricultural buildings on local Barn Owl populations. The Trust has been commissioned to conduct Barn Owl Surveys and to provide advice in areas where local populations may be under threat from the development of roads or other building projects.

EDUCATION

Climatic changes, habitat destruction and pollution are a threat to all living things. Unprecedented floods and droughts are already happening. Industrialisation, urbanisation and insensitive land use all reduce Barn Owl numbers. We give talks to children, societies, teachers, farmers and local authorities to stimulate awareness of the environment through the plight of the Barn Owl, in the hope that attitudes will change. The land, sea and sky are all polluted by industry. We buy the products of these industries; so spend wisely.

INFORMATION AND ADVICE

As part of our work we produce a comprehensive range of information leaflets covering every aspect of Barn Owl conservation including Habitat, Nestboxes, Reintroduction, Barn Conversions - Provisions for Owls, Rat Poisons and other hazards etc. All of the Trust's information is provided free of charge to the thousands of enquiries that we receive
each year.

COMMUNICATION & CO-OPERATION

The Barn Owl Trust works with individuals and Organisations to encourage both Barn Owl and environmental conservation. From school children to farmers and local authorities to conservation bodies, locally, nationally and internationally the Trust has a unique and personal approach.

We liaise with all major bodies in Britain with an interest in Barn Owl conservation. No species can survive in isolation and for the Barn Owl to prosper and thrive once again, environmental awareness must increase. By working together we can make a difference.

THE BARN OWL TRUST
WATERLEAT, ASHBURTON, DEVON TQ13 7HU
TELEPHONE: (01364) 653026
WEBSITE: www.barnowltrust.org.uk