A local conservation initiative aimed at protecting birds of prey has reached a significant milestone, with more than 4,900 raptors fledging from its expanding nest box network since the project began in 2008.
The Raptor Nest Box Project, which focuses on supporting Little Owls, Tawny Owls, Barn Owls, and Kestrels, has grown from just 38 boxes to more than 1,600 across Southern England, covering a core area of 4,500km² – with some boxes placed even further afield.
Despite challenging weather in 2024, the project reported encouraging results:
- 7 Little Owls,
- 66 Tawny Owls,
- 340 Barn Owls, and
- 220 Kestrels successfully fledged from the network’s boxes.
This brings the project’s totals to:
- Over 1,800 Kestrels,
- 370 Tawny Owls,
- 65 Little Owls, and
- 2,500 Barn Owls fledged in the past 16 years.
Dr Matt Stevens, British Projects Manager, and Research Assistant Tanith Jones, alongside a dedicated team of volunteers, have been busy maintaining the network – replacing damaged boxes and installing new ones to support future breeding seasons.
One of the project’s key messages this time of year is to keep an eye out for young Tawny Owl chicks on the ground. These owlets often leave the nest before they’re ready to fly – a behaviour known as branching. Locals are urged not to move these chicks unless they are in immediate danger. If necessary, moving them to a nearby branch or hedge is the best way to help.
The project’s specially designed Tawny Owl boxes, with deep and narrow chambers, are helping to reduce premature departures by adventurous chicks and boost survival rates.
Beyond providing safe nesting spaces, the boxes also serve as important research tools. This year, the team will be using the boxes to deploy tracking tags on adult Kestrels – a first-of-its-kind study in the UK.
The group is currently fundraising to support its Kestrel conservation work. Donations can be made via their website.
Find out more or donate to support the project at www.justgiving.com/campaign/stopping-the-kestrel-decline.