Wicklow Barn Owl Group – The story so far!

Wicklow Barn Owl Group – The story so far!

The Barn Owl is one of our most easily recognisable birds and hold a special place in the hearts of the Irish public. They are intrinsically linked to Ireland’s folklore and culture and an encounter with Barn Owl at night is a magical experience you are unlikely to forget. However, sightings like this have become increasingly rare and today, the Barn Owl is a Red-listed Bird of Conservation Concern in Ireland, due to extensive declines in their breeding population and range.

The Wicklow Barn Group formed in early 2022 with the aim of increasing the population of breeding Barn Owls in Wicklow. Barn Owls are particularly scarce in this part of the country. The Wicklow Barn Owl Project has two main objectives, firstly to carry out a survey to establish the status of Barn Owls in Co. Wicklow, and secondly, where appropriate to install specially designed nest boxes, to compensate for a general lack of traditional nest sites such as old, derelict buildings and large, mature trees. Engagement with landowners and local communities is also a very important element of the project.

Check out the video that tells the story so far!

you tube link  https://youtu.be/6VF2uI9ONUY

The Wicklow Barn Owl Group is a collaboration between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Wicklow County Council Heritage Officer, BirdWatch Ireland and the Wicklow Raptor Study Group. It is supported by Wicklow County Council and the Heritage Council through the County Heritage Plan Fund.