The SBOG formed in 2002 and works voluntarily to increase the breeding population of barn owls in Shropshire by providing nestboxes in areas of suitable habitat and working with farmers and other landowners to enhance their habitat.
We:
- Conduct site surveys and promote the conservation of barn owls and their habitat with farmers, landowners, statutory authorities and conservation organisations.
- Operate a nestbox scheme for barn owls in Shropshire to replenish natural nest sites lost due to decay and development
- Monitor nestboxes and natural sites for occupation by breeding and roosting barn owls on an annual basis under licence from Natural England.
- Maintain a database of breeding sites, nestbox occupation and breeding success
- Act as a lead partner in the Shropshire Biodiversity Action Plan for barn owls
- Give talks and practical demonstrations to schools and other groups
- Provide advice and practical assistance to local authorities, developers and home owners where planning applications affect barn owl nest sites
- 312 nestboxes installed across Shropshire
- 159 successful breeding attempts in nestboxes
- 467 young barn owls produced
- 209 young in natural nest sites monitored by SBOG
- 229 site surveys completed
