Welcome to Rutland Barn Owl Project

The RUTLAND BARN OWL PROJECT was set up late in 2002 and about 40 boxes were erected across rutland, up to and over christmas 2002. Many of the boxes were occupied by barn owls very quickly, one box in only 3 days!. Unfortunately 2003 was a very poor year for barn owl breeding and only two boxes raised 6 young.

We have erected more boxes this winter and the mild winter has produced good numbers of short tailed field voles, so 2004 is turning out to be a very good year for our Barn Owls. Nest box numbers has been increased to 80 and we have to date (mid June) 12 pairs with over 70 young.

Barn Owls may accept a nest box readily, but use it only for roosting for as long as two years before finally breeding. There is no real design for a Barn Owl nest box - any large box is acceptable if it is at least 24x18x18 inches. For internal use (barns and old buildings) the traditional tea chest can be ideally adapted; but for external use, good quality, heavy, waterproof board must be used and water proofed.

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