Barn owl conservationists in Sussex have raised concerns about a sharp decline in population numbers, as they investigate what has led to the “worst breeding season in decades”.

Volunteers report finding fewer than 10 chicks in nest boxes across the county so far this year – a significant drop compared to recent seasons, which had previously shown signs of recovery in barn owl numbers.

Researchers from the University of Brighton are now examining possible causes behind the decline. As part of their study, they are monitoring the owls’ diets to gain insights into the state of their habitats.

Terry Hallahan, founder of the Sussex Barn Owl Group, said: “It’s the worst year I have ever experienced in the 34 years I have been monitoring barn owls.”

Each breeding season, trained volunteers assess the health of young barn owls and fit them with identification rings on their legs.

According to Mr Hallahan, over 90% of barn owls in Sussex now nest in one of the 300 bird boxes installed throughout the county.

Martin Flores, a licensed bird ringer working with the team, said they had received images of hunting barn owls where individuals could be identified – including which chick they were and which nest they had come from.

He added: “That’s really positive and helps us start to map the population of barn owls in Sussex.”

The volunteer group is now collaborating with the University of Brighton to analyse barn owl habitats using owl pellets – the indigestible remains of their prey, which the birds regurgitate.

Dr Maureen Berg, an ecologist at the university, explained that the contents of these pellets can provide a valuable indication of habitat health, allowing researchers to identify potential issues that may be contributing to the population decline.

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