Welcome to the Sussex Barn Owl Group
Barn Owl monitoring in Sussex began in the middle of the last century through the efforts of the late Barrie Watson. 3,346 Barn Owls were marked using his rings.
In 2019, our group was formed by Barrie, Terry Hallahan, and Stuart Card, and it is now home to a dedicated team of volunteers, including professional ecologists, ornithologists, biologists, and conservationists, as well as enthusiastic birders. Together we are committed to the preservation and protection of Sussex’s owl population.
- We monitor over 250 Barn Owl boxes across Sussex each year.
- Through our active installation of nest boxes in strategic locations, we have not only stabilised but also contributed to the growth of the Sussex Barn Owl population.
- With over 90% of Barn Owls in the UK now using nest boxes, our efforts have had a significant impact on their conservation.
- Beyond Barn Owls: While our focus is primarily on Barn Owls, we also install and monitor boxes for other bird species, including Tawny Owls, Little Owls, and Kestrels. Many of these boxes have been successfully occupied, resulting in the raising of broods, and furthering our conservation objectives.
Why not join us?
- Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or simply passionate about the welfare of owls and birds of prey, we welcome you to join us!
- If you’re a resident of Sussex and share our commitment to conservation, we’d love to hear from you.
- If you own land with habitat suitable to support breeding raptors, or have seen owls in your local area, please get in touch.
Volunteer opportunities
Consider volunteering with us to help install and monitor nest boxes, contributing directly to the conservation efforts in your local community.
No experience is necessary – just a love for wildlife and a willingness to make a difference!
Join us today: Become part of our passionate team dedicated to the conservation of owls and birds of prey in Sussex.
Find out more here on Facebook or email us at: info@sussexbarnowlgroup.org
If you need to contact the Sussex Barn Owl Group urgently, please phone
07768 506126 Terry Hallahan
07702 079145 Izzy Kennedy
Sussex Tawny Owls Bounce Back After Devastating 2025 Season – Terry Hallahan26th June 2026Following the disastrous 2025 breeding season, when no chicks were found in any of the 25 nest boxes monitored by the group, this year has marked a remarkable turnaround for Sussex’s Tawny Owls.
The 2026 breeding season has delivered exceptional results. Monitors recorded and ringed:
- One brood of a single chick
- Three broods of three chicks
- Five broods of four chicks
- One rare and impressive brood of five chicks near Ashdown Forest
All chicks were successfully ringed, making this one of the most productive seasons recorded in recent years.
One youngster was found to have already reached the branching stage in early April, indicating that breeding may have begun unusually early in some areas this year, possibly reflecting favourable weather conditions and prey availability.
Tawny Owl Facts
Tawny Owls are monogamous birds that typically remain paired throughout the year. Signs of breeding activity usually begin in late winter, with egg-laying often commencing in March or April, depending on local conditions and food availability.
A typical clutch consists of two to four eggs, although clutches ranging from one to seven eggs have occasionally been recorded. The female alone incubates the eggs, a process that takes around 28–30 days, while the male provides food.
Young owls leave the nest well before they are capable of flight, entering a stage known as branching. During this period, they move onto nearby branches and trees, where they continue to be fed by their parents. Their persistent food-begging calls are often heard at dusk and during the night.
If a branching chick falls to the ground, it can usually climb back into the trees using its exceptionally sharp talons, scrambling up the trunk while flapping its developing wings for support.
Later in the year, from late summer through autumn and into early winter, young Tawny Owls begin searching for territories of their own. This is a challenging and often dangerous time, as parents drive their offspring away from their natal territory and resident owls vigorously defend established territories with calling, shrieking and hooting. Many young birds do not survive their first year as they struggle to find suitable hunting grounds and avoid conflict with established adults.
The Sussex Barn Owl 2026 breeding results will be announced soon—watch this space!
Terry Hallahan June 2026
📸 Nigel Morley
‘The Barn Owl’ talk by Terry Hallahan16th March 2026SWT Eastbourne Regional Group talk – ‘The Barn Owl’ by local ornithologist Terry Hallahan on Thursday 19/03/26 at 7.30pm
Part 1: Barn Owl physiology, with some facts you may not know!
Part 2: Our Sussex Barn Owls, including the conservation work of the Sussex Barn Owl Group & what they do to preserve and protect the local populations in our county.
Venue: Victoria Baptist Church, Eldon Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1UE, where there is a large, free, car park. TQ594002 or what3words ///types.flames.pace
*Everyone is welcome, no need to book, please just come along! *
Entry by cash only (no electronic payment system): £4 for SWT Members and £5 for Non-SWT Members. Refreshments – £1. Janet Nott, Secretary, SWT Eastbourne Regional Group, email: secretary.swteastbourne@gmail.com
Janet Nott
Following the disastrous 2025 breeding season, when no chicks were found in any of the 25 nest boxes monitored by the group, this year has marked a remarkable turnaround for Sussex’s Tawny Owls.
The 2026 breeding season has delivered exceptional results. Monitors recorded and ringed:
- One brood of a single chick
- Three broods of three chicks
- Five broods of four chicks
- One rare and impressive brood of five chicks near Ashdown Forest
All chicks were successfully ringed, making this one of the most productive seasons recorded in recent years.
One youngster was found to have already reached the branching stage in early April, indicating that breeding may have begun unusually early in some areas this year, possibly reflecting favourable weather conditions and prey availability.
Tawny Owl Facts
Tawny Owls are monogamous birds that typically remain paired throughout the year. Signs of breeding activity usually begin in late winter, with egg-laying often commencing in March or April, depending on local conditions and food availability.
A typical clutch consists of two to four eggs, although clutches ranging from one to seven eggs have occasionally been recorded. The female alone incubates the eggs, a process that takes around 28–30 days, while the male provides food.
Young owls leave the nest well before they are capable of flight, entering a stage known as branching. During this period, they move onto nearby branches and trees, where they continue to be fed by their parents. Their persistent food-begging calls are often heard at dusk and during the night.
If a branching chick falls to the ground, it can usually climb back into the trees using its exceptionally sharp talons, scrambling up the trunk while flapping its developing wings for support.
Later in the year, from late summer through autumn and into early winter, young Tawny Owls begin searching for territories of their own. This is a challenging and often dangerous time, as parents drive their offspring away from their natal territory and resident owls vigorously defend established territories with calling, shrieking and hooting. Many young birds do not survive their first year as they struggle to find suitable hunting grounds and avoid conflict with established adults.
The Sussex Barn Owl 2026 breeding results will be announced soon—watch this space!
Terry Hallahan June 2026
📸 Nigel Morley
SWT Eastbourne Regional Group talk – ‘The Barn Owl’ by local ornithologist Terry Hallahan on Thursday 19/03/26 at 7.30pm
Part 1: Barn Owl physiology, with some facts you may not know!
Part 2: Our Sussex Barn Owls, including the conservation work of the Sussex Barn Owl Group & what they do to preserve and protect the local populations in our county.
Venue: Victoria Baptist Church, Eldon Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1UE, where there is a large, free, car park. TQ594002 or what3words ///types.flames.pace
*Everyone is welcome, no need to book, please just come along! *
Entry by cash only (no electronic payment system): £4 for SWT Members and £5 for Non-SWT Members. Refreshments – £1. Janet Nott, Secretary, SWT Eastbourne Regional Group, email: secretary.swteastbourne@gmail.com
Janet Nott
