Construction of Barn Owl Boxes for along the Ballymacraven River

We are delighted to be collaborating with the Ennistymon Men’s Shed on a conservation initiative along the Ballymacraven River, where members of the Men’s Shed are constructing five barn owl nesting boxes to support the recovery of the species.

Work began during the winter months, with two boxes already completed and three currently in progress. The project has also benefited from wider community involvement, with participants at the inaugural Women’s Shed meeting contributing to the construction effort. 

Once completed, the boxes will be installed at suitable locations between the Glen and selected landowners along the river corridor. The Restore Ballymacraven River Association (RBRA) committee will oversee placement and ongoing monitoring.

The Barn owl has long been known as the “farmer’s friend.” Traditionally nesting in old stone farm buildings, barn owls play an important role in controlling rodent numbers within farmyards and surrounding farmland.

Despite this, the species has faced significant challenges in recent decades. Since 2014, the barn owl has been placed on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland. The decline of this species within the Irish landscape is due to several factors, including land use changes, increased use of rat poisons, and the loss of traditional nesting sites such as old stone farm buildings.

Encouragingly, research and conservation experience show that barn owls respond positively to well-designed and correctly positioned nest boxes. In areas where habitat conditions are favourable and targeted conservation measures are implemented, local populations have shown signs of recovery after decades of decline. In certain areas of the country, their population is now increasing after decades of decline.

It is hoped that the introduction of these nesting boxes along the Ballymacraven River will support an increase in local barn owl numbers and contribute to their wider recovery across Ireland.