Barn Owls - The Story
One of the most loved birds in the UK, second only to the pretty Robin, the Barn Owl is a beautiful, mysterious and iconic creature. These incredible birds have inhabited our world for over 2.5 million years and have lived alongside humans in Ancient Britain since 3,500BC. Sadly, the demand for alternative land use, the development of intensivised farming and the widespread use of rodenticides has increased significantly over the last 50-100 years. As a consequence the birds have suffered a crash in population and are extremely vulnerable. Their nest sites and foraging areas continue to be compromised and breeding success can be extremely variable. Even after a good breeding season, mortality rates for dispersing young can be shockingly high due to a number of natural and man-made factors.
For this reason Barn Owls have 'special' legal protection in the UK...
The Legal bit...
All birds have general protection under the 1981 Wildlife & Countryside Act but Barn Owls have special protection under Schedule 1 of the act. It is illegal for any person to intentionally or 'recklessly' disturb any wild bird included in Schedule 1 while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or disturb dependent young of such a bird. The Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 amended the 1981 act by adding the concept of reckless disturbance.
Special penalties include an unlimited fine and up to 6 months imprisonment.
Under Part 1, Section 25 of the 1981 act, Local Authorities are given the function of bringing this legislation to the attention of the public and may institute proceedings for any offence committed within their area.
In addition to this Local Authorities have to comply with a number of Biodiversity Policies which promote the conservation, restoration and enhancement of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority species. For large developments, Section 106 of the Town & Countryside Act requires a Landscape and Ecology Management Plan (LEMP).
What does this mean...
If you are planning property maintenance, renovation, a barn conversion or commercial / residential development then as part of any ecological survey you should consult a qualified Barn Owl surveyor to assess your site. This will ensure legal compliance but above all will help protect this very special species. If you are interested in improving your property & land in order to encourage Barn Owls then a Barn Owl surveyor will be invaluable when providing advice to give you the best options to take.