Barn Owl Nest Box - FSC® Certified Conservation Nest Box

Striking, practical, and conservation-led, this Barn Owl Nest Box has been carefully designed to provide a safe and secure nesting site for one of the UK’s most iconic birds of prey.

Barn Owls are cavity nesters. Before agricultural buildings became widespread, they would have nested in large hollow trees and natural cavities formed by decay or storm damage. Today, those veteran trees are scarce across much of the UK landscape, leaving Barn Owls heavily reliant on barns, old buildings and purpose-made nest boxes.

Developed in collaboration with the Barn Owl Trust and other experts, this nest box is designed to replicate the depth, shelter and security of a natural tree cavity, while being equally suitable for installation inside buildings or mounted externally on mature trees where conditions allow.

Manufactured from precision-cut FSC® certified exterior-grade plywood and treated with a non-toxic, water-based preservative, the box is built for longevity in exposed outdoor settings. The generous internal depth ensures owlets cannot leave the nest prematurely, while the full-width front platform allows young birds to exercise safely before fledging.

A deep weather canopy protects both the entrance and landing platform from rain, while the drained floor helps keep the nesting chamber dry and comfortable throughout the season. Key panel joints are sealed to reduce water ingress and draughts.

For ease of monitoring and long-term use, the box features dual inspection hatches, allowing full access to the floor area for cleaning outside the breeding season. Periodic cleaning is important for Barn Owl boxes, as pellets and debris can accumulate over time and reduce the effective depth of the nest chamber.

Despite its substantial size, the box has been carefully engineered to remain relatively lightweight, making installation easier at height. Oversized fixing holes allow ropes to be used when hauling the box into position, and multiple fixing options enable secure mounting to trees or buildings.

Why it matters

Barn Owls are closely tied to open countryside rich in small mammals, yet the nesting opportunities they once relied upon have largely disappeared. Purpose-built nest boxes now play a vital role in maintaining local breeding populations.

This is not a decorative garden feature, but a serious conservation tool - best suited to quiet locations with nearby rough grassland, field margins, meadows or other suitable hunting habitat.

Where to site

• Install at least 3 metres above ground

• Suitable for barns, outbuildings or mature trees

• Ensure a clear flight path to the entrance

• Choose a quiet location away from regular disturbance

• Clean and inspect only outside the breeding season

Please note: Barn Owls are a Schedule 1 protected species. During the breeding season, occupied nest boxes must not be disturbed or inspected except by a licensed individual.

Selected for Wild Your Garden with guidance from Joel Ashton, this Barn Owl Nest Box reflects a habitat-first approach - replacing what once existed naturally, but now rarely does.