The new Barn Owl Support Suffolk (BOSS) project is being led by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Suffolk Bird Group.

It aims to help barn owl populations in the Waveney Valley with the support of local farmers.

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Jenny Rawson and Maddie Lord, farmer advisers at Suffolk Wildlife Trust (Image: John Ferguson)

The charities point out that around 70% of Suffolk’s land is used for farming – meaning farmers can play a crucial role in increasing populations.

Farmers are reporting increases in barn owl activity on their land after six barn owl boxes were installed in the Waveney Valley area last year.

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Farmers taking part will be have a free nest box installed and advice from farm wildlife advisers.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust Wilder Landscapes advice manager Jenny Rawson said: “This has been such a brilliant project to be part of. 

“We know that providing barn owls with suitable nesting sites is so important for populations to be sustained, but also, alongside the nest box and expertise offered by BOSS, the Suffolk Wildlife Trust Farm Advice Team can advise farmers and landowners on optimising habitat around their farms for the owls.

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“Through providing rougher grass margins combined with good hedgerow management, the main prey of barn owl – the field vole – can thrive, alongside many other species benefitting from these simple actions.

“Anyone interested in getting a free barn owl box, and a visit from the Trust’s farm wildlife advice team, please get in touch – particularly if you are at the beginning of your ‘farming for wildlife in mind’ journey, and would like guidance and support with where to start.”

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Previous work from Suffolk Wildlife Trust has seen coastal Suffolk enjoy one of the highest barn owl populations in the UK – with more breeding pairs now active in the Waveney Valley.

Sally Nelson, BOSS project lead at Suffolk Bird Group, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Suffolk Wildlife Trust to install barn owl nest boxes across the county. 

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“This collaboration aims to support the local barn owl population by providing safe nesting and roosting sites, while also encouraging the maintenance and creation of suitable habitats where these iconic birds can hunt and thrive. 

“By working together, we hope to make a positive and lasting contribution to barn owl conservation in Suffolk.”

Farmers looking to get involved can arrange a free visit from a Farm Wildlife Advisor by emailing farm.advice@suffolkwildlifetrust.org.

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