2025 has been tough for breeding barn owls in Staffordshire, with very few chicks recorded in comparison to previous years. This mirrors a national trend which is possibly linked to the long, dry summer reducing vole numbers which are the owls’ main food source.   Barn owl by Jon Hawkins Despite this, Staffordshire Wildlife reports that their nature reserves remain vital refuges for birds of prey. Here’s how they are helping: Nest boxes installed with guidance from the Barn O