Barn Owl Action Group
The Staffordshire Barn Owl Action Group (B.O.A.G.) was set up in 2001 after it was estimated that there were only 30 breeding pairs left in Staffordshire. Numbers of barn owls have fallen drastically over the last 40-50 years as a result of urbanisation, changes in farming practices and a loss of nest sites due to felling of old hollow trees and conversion of old barns into dwellings. As a consequence the barn owl is now a schedule 1 protected species under the Countryside and Wildlife Act of 1981 and is also a Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan Species.
In an effort to help reverse this downward trend BOAG installs barn owl nest boxes in areas where the habitat is suitable to sustain barn owls to encourage and provide ro
ost and nest sites. With over 280 nest boxes across Staffordshire, BOAG monitors the boxes on an annual basis to establish which boxes are being used as nest sites. Where chicks are found and with permission from the landowner, they are ringed. This can provide BOAG with further information to help with the conservation work and build up a better picture of barn owl movement after fledging. BOAG has also been working with the Environment Agency for the last 5 years to provide 40 nest boxes along targeted rivers, river corridors provide good barn owl habitat.
BOAG relies on the general public to contact them with records of barn owl sightings and to notify them of any dead barn owls that they may discover especially reporting any barn owls which have been ringed. The numbers of barn owls are considered not to be as low as first 
estimated but barn owls struggle to survive and numbers hang in the balance. Many factors play against the barn owl so it is important that this bird is monitored and work continues to help in its conservation.
BOAG can also give advice to planners and developers at sites where barn owls are present, to provide alternative accommodation and minimal disturbance.
BOAG is a run by a small group of dedicated volunteers who hold appropriate Natural England licences and are trained to install and monitor barn owl nest boxes. A charge is made for nest boxes this covers annual monitoring, cleaning out and any repairs during the life time of the box.
For further information, please contact Helen Cottam on Thursdays at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust 01889 880100 or e-mail boag@staffs-wildlife.org.uk
