How much habitat do Barn Owls need in pastoral landscapes?
Research funded by BOT has produced the best estimates of the quantity of rough grass habitat required by British Barn Owls in different landscape types. In pastoral landscapes, we estimate that Barn Owls require about 78 km of rough grass field margin within 2 km of a suitable nest site. Research has also shown that field voles require the margins to be greater than 4 metres wide, and ideally around 6 metres wide. Barn Owls also hunt more efficiently along wide margins. We therefore estimate that Barn Owls in pastoral landscapes require between 31 and 47 ha of rough grassland within 2 km of a nest site. However, to support a viable breeding population of Barn Owls over a wider area, land beyond 2 km radius also needs to be suitable. We estimate that in a pastoral region between 2.5 and 3.7% of the total land area needs to be rough grassland. Perhaps by working with your neighbours you can make Barn Owls a common sight in your area? Note: the Barn Owl habitat requirements and grant sch
