Barn Owl is one of the Isle of Wight National Landscape’s eight flagship species we are targeting for nature recovery. The distinctive heart shaped face and silent ghost like flight of Barn Owl make it a well-loved countryside bird. Living for about 4 years the Barn Owl is the most widely distributed owl in the world. Barn Owls live in closed habitats at various location across the island: Briddlesford, Newtown, Medina Valley and Atherfield.
What makes the Barn Owl special?
The absence of Tawny Owls on the Isle of Wight makes the Barn Owl the apex owl predator and an important part of the food chain. Hunting in the daytime and at night for voles, shrews, moles and mice their adapted wings allow silent flight.
The habitat at Briddlesford provides the perfect environment for Barn Owls to hunt; long grass in the summer, wide hedgerows, and woodland edges.
Barn Owl boxes at Briddlesford
Briddlesford has been home to barn owl boxes for over 25 years. Unfortunately, the poor placement and deterioration of boxes combined with the lack of natural tree hold created a need for box replacement.
70% of young Barn Owls die in their first year, although overall year-round habitat needs present at Briddlesford providing safe nesting locations were required.
FIPL funding
The People’s Trust for Endangered Species working with volunteers have installed 15 barn owl nest boxes at Briddlesford. The locations have been chosen and placed generally in pairs, creating safe roosting sites for males once they are evicted from the nest. The boxes will be monitored regularly by trained surveyors.
This project has been funded by a FiPL (Farming in Protected Landscapes) grant. FiPL grants are available to landowners and farmers or organisations working in collaboration with landowners to deliver a wide range of countryside projects within the Isle of Wight National Landscape. The grant has four priorities: Climate, Nature, People and Place. To find out more visit the Farming in Protected Landscapes page.