UK Laws: Wild Origin

The laws relating to wild Barn Owls in the UK
Population figure estimated to be around 4 to 5,000 pairs.

Wild Barn Owls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

It is an offence to:
»	Intentionally kill, injure, or take (handle) any wild Barn Owl.
»	Intentionally take or destroy a Barn Owl egg.
»	Intentionally take, damage or destroy any wild Barn Owl nest while it is in use or is being built.
»	Have in one's possession or control a wild Barn Owl (dead or alive, or any part of) or egg unless it has been legally taken.
»	Intentionally or recklessly disturb a Barn Owl while it is nest building or is at or near a nest containing eggs or young or disturb dependent young.
Under the "Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981" anyone found guilty of an offence is liable to a fine of up to £5,000 or an imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.

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Wildlife & Countryside Laws
For advice, guidance & information contact:
DEFRA: The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Global Wildlife Division Floor 1, Zone Seventeen Temple Quay House, 2 The Square Bristol BS2 9OJ
Telephone: 0117 372 8000

Gloucestershire Police Wildlife Liaison Officers
If you feel a wildlife crime is being committed contact the below person(s) by name.
Mark Robson- HQ Control Room, Cheltenham.
C/I; M. Barton- Cheltenham Operations.
DS Bradshaw- Stroud Crime Management Unit
PC; G Lager- Rural Beat Officer, Cirencester.
Telephone: 0845 090 1234

Licensing to inspect Nest Sites
To inspect a Barn Owl nest box or a natural nest site you must be covered by a licence.
For licensing information contact:
English Nature
Northminster House Peterborough PE1 1UA
Telephone: 01733 455000

For the captive bred Barn Owls & the law (Click Here)