OPERATION BARN OWL
For centuries, Barn Owls have been a
familiar site throughout the English countryside. Often seen hunting at
dusk or in the early morning, their graceful ghostlike presence combined
with their role as ratcatchers has always ensured that they have been held
in high regard by man.
However, post-war agrticultural change
has seen a significant drop in their numbers, as suitable nesting sites
and available feeding habitat have disappeared. Most modern barns are
unsuitable for nesting and the ploughing-up of pastures in favour of
cereal crops, combined with the loss of hedgerows and use of pesticides
has severely eroded their hunting grounds.
The Kentish Stour Countryside is
participating in a Barn Owl monitoring scheme in partnership with the Hawk
and Owl Trust. In addition to monitoring local numbers, we are liasing
with local farmers to identify suitable nesting sites and feeding habitat
which could attract owls in the future. With schemes such as Defra’s
Environmental Stewardship Scheme we are able to work in partnership with
landowners to create new areas of habitat (such as arable reversion and
field margins) and where appropriate to install special Barn Owl nest
boxes.
As part of our survey, we are interested in any
sightings that the public may have, so if have seen any Barn Owls in your
local area, please contact us.
