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Help Save the Barn Owl in Shropshire
In 1932 there were 287 breeding pairs of barn owl in Shropshire. In 2002 the Shropshire Barn Owl Group estimated the population at 140 pairs, a decline of nearly 50%
Barn owls have declined largely due to a loss of prey-rich foraging on farmland.
Nest sites have been lost as old farm buildings have gone into ruin or have been demolished or converted.
Barn owls nest extensively in the cavities of old, isolated trees. The removal of trees or their loss due to decay has increased the decline of barn owls.
The increased urbanisation and use of pesticides, plus road casualties have added to the steep decline.
The barn owl is on the UK Biodiversity Steering Group Conservation Concern List, and is a target species in the Shropshire Biodiversity Action Plan.
