Barn owls ringed to track conservation farming success

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 06:04 · Archive

Fifteen barn owl chicks and an adult have been ringed in Purbeck to measure the benefits of wildlife-friendly farming.

Fifteen barn owl chicks and an adult have been ringed at three farmland sites in Purbeck to measure the benefits of conservation-focused farming. The project is a partnership between Carey Ringing Station, Birds of Poole Harbour and the National Trust, and aims to collect long-term data on barn owl survival, breeding success and movement while examining the impact of nature-friendly farming practices.

National Trust tenant farmers are managing the land to support wildlife through longer grass, maintained hedgerows and scrub patches. These habitats support the voles and small mammals that barn owls rely on. Kate Fox, a licenced bird ringer and ornithologist from Carey Ringing Station, said: 'Ringing provides invaluable scientific data about these birds, which can't be gained from observations alone. Barn owls are striking birds, but it's very difficult to tell individuals apart.'

Mark Singleton, countryside manager for the National Trust in Purbeck, called it 'an exciting project and a first for us in Purbeck' and noted that although barn owl numbers have fallen significantly over the past century, there are encouraging signs they may be recovering locally. Fox reported that after a poor breeding season last year across the UK, this year saw a bounce-back in chick numbers. The team plans to expand the project next year by putting up and monitoring more nest boxes. The ringing is conducted under special licence and follows British Trust for Ornithology guidelines.

Barn owls ringed to track conservation farming success — Image: Dorset Echo

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How it is being reported

New barn owl ringing programme helps measure nature recovery across PurbeckA Purbeck barn owl monitoring project has ringed 15 chicks and an adult to track recovery, breeding success and the impact of wildlife-friendly farming.Dorset Echo · 14 Oct, 05:00
Owls ringed to measure benefits of wildlife farmingA barn owl and 15 chicks are ringed to see if conservation-focused farming is working.BBC Dorset · 13 Oct, 12:22

In this story: Purbeck · National Trust · Carey Ringing Station · Birds of Poole Harbour · Mark Singleton · Kate Fox

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