Vital owl nesting boxes added to Milton Keynes' parks
Published: 18/06/25
We are very lucky to have a good population of Barn Owls in Milton Keynes which use our parklands as perfect habitat for hunting. Natural nesting sites like hollow trees and abandoned buildings are becoming increasingly scarce, making boxes an important substitute. Barn Owl boxes provide a safe, secure, and dry area for the birds to raise their young and offer protection from predators. That’s why we’re installing more boxes!
One of our practical conservation volunteers used their woodwork skills to make 4 new owl boxes following a plan created by the Barn Owl Trust.
Our Direct Works team have now installed them on carefully selected trees in the parks.
Each year, various wildlife surveys record and monitor species found in Milton Keynes' green spaces, from grasslands and trees to butterflies, birds and bees. Licenced specialist at the Barn Owl Conservation, Paddy Jackson, recorded 8 owlets in last year’s survey.
We hope to be able to record more breeding owls in the future through annual surveys and continue to manage our land for the benefit of barn owls and their habitat.
By monitoring these nesting sites to understand breeding success, we can make informed decisions to protect and enhance the spaces these birds rely on. From leaving long rough grass and wide field margins to provide suitable habitat for field voles (and other small mammals) as a critical food source and hunting habitat for the local population to thrive. It's a privilege to contribute to the conservation of Barn Owls, and our work ensures that these beautiful birds remain a part of our landscape for generations to come.
Carla Boswell, Biodiversity Officer at The Parks Trust
Our Biodiversity Work
We care for contain some of Buckinghamshire’s most important wildlife habitats, including ancient woodlands, meadows and wetland reserves. As well as conserving these key sites, our team of biodiversity experts enhance opportunities for wildlife across our parkland.