Barn owl surveys are required where proposals could result in the disturbance of potential barn owl roosting or nesting sites, even if the site itself will not be directly affected by the work (e.g. noise or lighting disturbance).  Even buildings and trees set amongst unsuitable barn owl foraging habitat can be used by barn owls, as the hunting range of the individual owl can exceed 5km.

Barn owl surveys are conducted by an experienced and licensed ecologist, who would inspect any potential nest or roost sites and the surrounding area for evidence of barn owl usage.  Barn owl activity surveys may be required if substantial areas of suitable barn owl foraging habitat are to be lost. 

Barn owls are birds of open habitat that usually hunt for small mammals which favour the unmanaged vegetation found in rough grasslands, field margins and hedgerows.  These once common habitats are becoming increasingly scarce, and this is thought to be a contributing factor, along with loss of nest sites, for the estimated 70% decline in the barn owl population since the 1930’s.  Barn owls nest and roost in undisturbed areas of buildings, within deep cavities in trees, and increasingly within purpose-built nest boxes.

Barn owls are afforded special protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended).  In addition to the protection of all wild birds under the Act (refer to our Birds section), species listed on Schedule 1 are afforded special legal protection when breeding; making it an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild barn owl or its dependent young whilst it is at or near an active nest site. 

Surveys by a licensed barn owl surveyor are required where works may result in disturbance to potential barn owl roosting or nesting sites, even of the work itself will not directly affect the site (e.g. noise or lighting disturbance).   Legislation does not permit licenses to be issued to disturb breeding barn owls (or any other breeding Schedule 1-listed species) for the purposes of development.  Therefore, careful timing of the works to avoid disturbance must be implemented.  Compensatory nest sites are required where confirmed or potential barn owl nest sites and regularly used roost sites are to be lost.   

Please contact us to discuss your specific project or request a free quotation for conducting a barn owl survey.

Useful information

Natural England Standing Advice

The Barn Owl Trust – Licensing