Watching Over the Owls: The Mission of SW Wildlife Monitoring
There is something magical about watching an owl silently glide through the dusk, or hearing its haunting call echo across the fields at night. These remarkable birds, alongside kestrels and other birds of prey, have long captured our imagination. Yet, their lives remain largely hidden from us. That’s where SW Wildlife Monitoring steps in.
My mission is simple yet powerful: to raise awareness of the wonderful owls and birds of prey we have in the UK, while ensuring their future through careful monitoring and conservation. By installing camera-fitted nest boxes, I’m able to give people a window into the secret world of these birds — all without disturbance.
Bringing Wildlife Closer, Without Disturbance
Seven eggs captured on film during a successful season
Four successful barn owl chicks from 2024
Remote monitoring technology has transformed how we can learn about wildlife. Every box I install is fitted with a discreet camera, allowing us to watch breeding, feeding, and fledging unfold in real-time. Not only does this provide incredible educational value, it also ensures the birds are never disturbed by human presence.
For me, it’s about striking the right balance — using modern tools to study and appreciate wildlife while keeping their welfare as the top priority.
Working Together With Farmers and Landowners
Much of my work takes place on farmland across the UK. By partnering with farmers and landowners, I can help them discover which species are using their land — from barn owls nesting in old barns to kestrels hovering over field margins.
These collaborations highlight something crucial: the positive impact of responsible farming practices on local wildlife. When habitats are protected and food sources maintained, birds of prey thrive. It’s rewarding to see farmers take pride in knowing they are playing a role in the survival of these iconic species.
Why It Matters
Owls and other raptors face real challenges — from habitat loss to changes in prey availability. By installing more monitored nest boxes, we can create safe spaces for them to breed, while at the same time collecting valuable data that supports conservation efforts across the UK.
Each box tells a story: of resilience, survival, and sometimes struggle. Sharing these stories not only deepens our understanding but inspires people to care about the wildlife around them.
How You Can Help
Village location
Barn Owl box on a Wildlife Trust site
Installation Process
This work is entirely self-funded, and every new box installed is a step towards protecting the future of our birds of prey. If you’ve enjoyed the videos, images, or insights shared through SW Wildlife Monitoring, I invite you to support the mission.
A small donation can help fund the materials and cameras needed for the next installation. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly helps provide a safe home for these incredible birds — and allows more people to experience the wonder of their hidden lives.
You can support this work by simply “Buying Me A Coffee “. Whatever your donation amount will all be put towards funding the materials and cameras for the next box build.
Barn Owl owlet on its first flight
Barn Owl in Golden Light
Adult Little Owl
By working together, we can ensure these magnificent birds continue to thrive in our countryside for generations to come. Thank you for helping me make that possible.
Multiscreen view of some of the boxes installed over the past year.
