Your donation could provide a safe haven for barn owls 
 

With fewer than 30 breeding pairs of barn owls left in Northern Ireland, these iconic birds urgently need safe habitats to survive. David Sandford’s wildlife-friendly farm near Strangford has become a sanctuary, nurturing 19 owlets so far.

David’s journey began a decade ago when, during an evening walk, he spotted a barn owl for the first time in 30 years. Inspired, he partnered with Ulster Wildlife to install nest boxes alongside his nature-rich habitats. Four years later, in 2019, a pair of barn owls finally moved in.

“My late wife Alison and I were thrilled when we saw them,” David recalls. “Hearing the chicks’ calls soon after was unforgettable.”

Today, David’s farm is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful barn owl breeding sites, thanks to nine nest boxes and a monitored nest camera installed with our support.

With your support, we can provide more safe nesting places for barn owls and other vulnerable species across Northern Ireland. 

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