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28 October 2014

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Barn owl census carried out in Devon

Barn owls are a beautiful but rare sight in Devon

Barn owls were once a common sight across Devon - but intensive farming has placed the beautiful creature's survival in Devon at risk.

Now, for the first time in 10 years, a barn owl census is to be held in the county.

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Birds becoming rarer
Green farming scheme

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Barn Owl Trust

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FACTS

The Barn Owl Trust was founded in 1988.

It is a registered charity.

Fossil records indicate that barn owls date back some two million years - much longer than modern man.

Barn owls grow to around 13ins (33cm) and the wingspan is 34ins (85cm).

Many do not survive more than five years.

The oldest recorded owl in Britain was over 13 years old.

Traditionally, barn owls have a supernatural reputation.

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A charity dedicated to the conservation of barn owls is carrying out a major survey of their numbers in Devon this year.

The Ashburton-based Barn Owl Trustis holding a census between April and September 2003 - the first one since 1993. The Devon Birdwatching and Preservation Society is also helping with the survey.

Results of the survey >>>

Devon used to be a real stronghold for barn owls, but the switch to intensive farming since the Second World War has taken a terrible toll.

Since the 1930s, the number of barn owls in the UK has been reduced by 70%. Nationally, there are around 4,400 pairs - in Devon, there are some 250 to 350 pairs.

A barn owl in flight

Hotspots include parts of North Devon, and the area between Torbay and Totnes in South Devon. But in East Devon, the farming is too intensive for barn owls, while Dartmoor is virtually a no-go area because of the harsh weather.

The Barn Owl Trust has been working with farmers in Devon to encourage them to adopt more barn owl-friendly farming methods.

Local councils have also been made more aware of the plight of the creatures.

Assistant conservation officer at the Barn Owl Trust, Sue Searle, said their efforts of the past few years are starting to pay off.

Nest boxes have helped

"We are confident that the number of barn owls in Devon has settled or are actually going up," said Sue.

"We've identified areas where we can help farmers, and hundreds of nest boxes have been put up."

She added: "Barn owls need rough grass where there are small mammals. These areas have largely gone because of intensive farming, and we are asking farmers to leave a small corner for barn owls. Hedgerows also help, but these are often cut back."

Barn owl staff and volunteers will be visiting over 1,000 possible barn owl sites in Devon during nesting time this summer, to get an idea of their numbers.

"Hopefully, we should have an idea how many pairs there are by the autumn, and our census report should be complete by the end of the year," said Sue.