Barn owl pair confirmed at Pierrepont Farm

We have some wonderful news at Pierrepont Farm - a pair of barn owls has returned to the farm once again.

Our tenant, Kayleigh, checked the wildlife monitor camera installed at the barn owl box and discovered hundreds of recordings showing regular activity from the owls. And a licensed bird ringer has confirmed two barn owl eggs in the box!

The barn owl box at Pierrepont Farm has been in place for several years and there have been many sightings during that time, but this latest footage has given us an exciting insight into the birds’ behaviour. 

Pierrepont Farm tenant Kayleigh Robb installs a remote camera

At the end of April, Kayleigh and Caitlin, our estates and conservation assistant, set up a wildlife camera outside the box. When they recently reviewed the footage, they found more than 700 recordings featuring one or both owls. 

The clips captured visits inside the nest box, preening, resting, and even the owls carrying prey to the external platform. 

“This shows the difference than even one wildlife camera can make in helping us to confirm the presence of more elusive species such as barn owls,” says Caitlin. 

Barn owls are one of Britain’s most recognisable birds of prey and are top avian predators, hunting mainly small mammals, such as voles and mice. Their continued presence at Pierrepont Farm is a positive sign that the farm, woodland and surrounding landscape are providing a healthy and abundant food source. 

After reviewing the footage, the camera was carefully returned to its position outside the owl box so the pair can continue undisturbed. We hope they will successfully rear chicks over the summer months. 

“We have connections with licensed BTO bird ringers in the area who will be able to ring any chicks safely and legally,” added Caitlin. “There will soon be another barn owl box going up at Pierrepont, near the wildflower meadow, which was recently seeded by volunteers.” 

We also currently have barn owls sitting on eggs at Lark Rise Farm and Bere Marsh Farm, and we look forward to sharing more updates as the season progresses. 

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