Nest provision for Barn Owls within buildings

If your area is suitable, it is perfectly possible to create an excellent, permanent nesting space for Barn Owls in a loft or roof space. Many types of rural building can have an owl roost or nest space built-in.

The presence of Barn Owls will not usually result in the refusal of a planning application for a barn conversion. We support the renovation and conversion of old buildings as long as permanent provision for Barn Owls is incorporated into the design. After all, an unused derelict building, however picturesque, will only deteriorate and eventually become unsuitable for Barn Owls to live in.

Photoguide: Owl holes in barn conversions and other building projects

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Wildlife Tower 2

Perfect configuration: 600mm roof overhang, perch & exercise platform, leading to a 500mm deep nest space.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Barn Conversion 01

At or close to the top of the building is best.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Barn Conversion 02

A specially made dormer in a barn converted to offices.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Barn Conversion 03

Here the owl’s space is entirely within the thickness of the wall.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Barn Conversion 04

Here, half of the owl’s space is withing the fabric of the roof.

Building Projects External Provision Entrance

A close-up of the same dormer. Note the slatted platform outside.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Barn Conversion 05

This hole goes into a very small residual loft space.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Barn Conversion 06

This tiny lead dormer contains a passage that leads to a nestbox.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Barn Conversion 07

Not a conversion but still a good opportunity for an owl hole.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Barn Conversion 08

This owl hole leads directly into a good deep nestbox rather than the whole loft.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Garage 01

Decorative owl hole leading into a deep nestbox made from a teachest.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Garage 02

Persimmon Homes created this owl hole in the end of a garage block.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Barn 01

The ideal height for a hole is 250mm – tall enough for a Barn Owl to stand up in.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Barn 02

An external platform is not neccessary . . .

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Barn 03

. . . especially where the nestbox is not right up against the hole.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings Barn 04

The owl’s space here is within the thickness of the wall so an external platform is needed.

Barn Owl Provision Holes Buildings New Build

Barn Owl provision in the roof of a Bird Hide! Minimum height is just 3 metres.

Barn Owl nesting spaces constructed within the fabric of buildings

Barn Owl Provision Inside Building 01

Even with a vaulted ceiling, you can still make provision for Barn Owls.

Barn Owl Provision Inside Building 02

Half of the owl’s space is within the fabric of the roof

Barn Owl Provision Inside Building 03

The ‘box’ includes 75mm of insulation all round.

Barn Owl Provision Inside Building 04

Human access is essential. The removable panel is spring loaded.