For the first time in years, Barn Owls have bred in Keyworth. The Rushcliffe Barn Owl Project has had nesting boxes in the Parish for several years but have never had any success, despite having broods nearby at Tollerton, Plumtree, Wysall and Widmerpool.

Two years ago, the project had a pair attempt to breed in a box but failed after eggs had been laid. Last year was a poor vole year and the pair failed again.

This year has been a record year for the project; a good vole year has seen 29 pairs breeding with over 80 chicks ringed so far and a recent check on the Keyworth boxes revealed a single chick, a male of about 5 weeks old.

The Project was very pleased to receive some sponsorship from the Keyworth Parish Council last year to help with their running costs.

The Project has been a great success and has been a major factor in increasing Barn Owl numbers within the Borough; in the year 2000, they fledged just 4 chicks; last year this had gone up to 59 and this year, could have over 100 chicks fledge from their boxes.

There’s a good chance that the adult pair of Barn Owls in Keyworth will raise a second brood this year. The pair seems to be settled and could stick around for several years.

Howard Broughton

Rushcliffe Barn Owl Project

July 2007