Purbeck Begins Tracking Barn Owls to Gauge Conservation Farming Impact

A pilot project in Purbeck has successfully ringed barn owl chicks for the first time, initiating a long-term study to determine the effectiveness of wildlife-friendly agricultural practices. The operation involved 15 chicks and one adult bird located across three farmland sites, conducted through a collaboration between Birds of Poole Harbour, Carey Ringing Station, and the National Trust.

Mark Singleton, the National Trust’s countryside manager for Purbeck, described the initiative as an exciting first step for the region. He noted that while global barn owl numbers have declined significantly over the last century, there are promising local indicators suggesting a potential recovery.

The conservation strategy relies on tenant farmers managing land to support local wildlife. Key measures include allowing grass to grow longer, maintaining hedgerows, and preserving patches of scrub. According to Singleton, these habitats are critical for sustaining populations of voles and other small mammals, which form the primary diet of barn owls.

Singleton emphasized that by monitoring the ringed birds over multiple years, researchers can assess the efficacy of these environmental interventions and refine their approach continuously. The project is scheduled to become an annual event, with plans to install additional nest boxes next year to further support the species.

Kate Fox, a licensed bird ringer and ornithologist from Carey Ringing Station, highlighted the scientific necessity of the practice. She explained that because barn owls are visually similar, ringing provides unique identification data that field observations alone cannot yield. This is particularly important for tracking movements between nest boxes, as unringed birds moving to a new site could be mistaken for a previously unrecorded pair.

All ringing activities were carried out under a special license and in strict adherence to guidance from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Barn owls are protected as a Schedule 1 breeding species, making it illegal to disturb them during the breeding season without appropriate authorization.