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Lowther Valley farmers lead nature recovery by supporting Barn Owls and Tawny Owls
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Farmers in the Lowther Valley are leading a powerful nature recovery initiative, creating and improving habitats for Barn Owls and Tawny Owls across their land. Backed by the Cumbria Connect programme, this farmer-led project is helping reverse biodiversity loss and showcases the benefits of nature-friendly farming in action.
Supported by funding from the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme, ten farmers have come together to deliver practical conservation at scale—installing owl nest boxes, restoring rough grassland and enhancing habitats to support prey species like voles and mice.
Barn Owls are one of the species the Cumbrian farmers are looking to support
Farmer-Led Owl Conservation in Cumbria
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The heart of this initiative is farmer action. These local land managers are proactively restoring their landscapes by:
- Installing 20 Barn Owl and Tawny Owl nesting boxes in barns, trees, and safe natural locations
- Managing land to increase food sources for owls
- Protecting and enhancing key habitats, such as rough grassland, woodland edges and field margins
“We’re thrilled to see farmers in the Lowther Valley embracing the opportunity to support Barn Owls and Tawny Owls.
“The enthusiasm of the farming community is key to our mission of restoring nature across Cumbria. This project is a great example of how small changes at a local level can have a big impact. By installing nest boxes and managing land with wildlife in mind, farmers in the Lowther Valley are playing a key role in supporting these beautiful and ecologically important birds.”
Annabelle Kennedy, Senior Farming and Wildlife Adviser at Cumbria Connect
Why Barn Owls and Tawny Owls need our help
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Both Barn Owls (Tyto alba) and Tawny Owls (Strix aluco) are protected under UK law. Barn Owls have experienced serious declines due to:
- Loss of traditional nesting sites like old barns and hollow trees
- Decline in rough grassland that supports their main food source—voles and mice
- Secondary poisoning from rodenticides
By creating safe, prey-rich habitats, farmers are helping restore vital ecological balance, supporting these iconic species and making their farms more wildlife-friendly.
Tawny Owls are receiving a boost with farmers' support
Nature-Friendly Farming: Practical and Productive
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Encouraging owls on farmland has real benefits. Known as “the farmer’s friend,” Barn Owls naturally control rodents, reducing reliance on chemical pest control. This aligns with sustainable farming goals and improves biodiversity, soil health and water quality.
This project contributes to Cumbria Connect’s wider vision: delivering productive, nature-positive farming and large-scale habitat restoration across 42,000 hectares in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.
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