What do we do?

In Brabant, a group of around 550 enthusiastic volunteers is dedicated to protecting owls, specifically barn owls and little owls. These volunteers create nesting spots by hanging 6500 owl boxes on buildings and private estates across the province. Some boxes have been inhabited for over 20 years, with volunteers and landowners working together to care for the owls.

While the efforts have been successful, there is an increasing need to replace many nest boxes, as they wear out over time from intensive use. The replacement of these boxes primarily takes place in the autumn and winter, outside the breeding season. Volunteers build the new boxes themselves, saving on labor costs, and your contribution will go entirely toward the purchase of materials.

Through this project, we ensure that Brabant's owl population has safe nesting sites and can continue to thrive. It costs between €75 and €100 to make a new nest box, and with your support, we can provide the owls of Brabant with the secure breeding spaces they need.

Why is this important?

Owls play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling small animal populations. However, due to the loss of natural nesting sites, their numbers have declined. Volunteers in Brabant have made a significant impact through their nest box project, but many of these boxes are now in need of replacement. Without secure breeding sites, owl populations cannot survive.

By supporting this project, you help ensure that these birds can continue to nest in safe, well-maintained boxes. Your contribution directly helps preserve the owl population and supports biodiversity in Brabant.

Impact

• 6500 nest boxes across Brabant are maintained and renewed.
• Support for barn owl and little owl populations.
• Improvement of breeding opportunities for owls and preservation of biodiversity.
• Volunteers carefully inspect and replace each nest box.

How do we work?

Brabants Landschap’s volunteers are active in autumn and winter, when the owls are not breeding, to clean and replace nest boxes as needed. Worn and damaged boxes are removed and replaced with new ones, which the volunteers assemble themselves. This process ensures that the owls will have safe nesting sites ready by spring.

The project focuses on nest boxes scattered across Brabant, and the exact locations are carefully tracked. Volunteers regularly visit these locations to inspect the condition of the boxes and carry out maintenance as needed. With your support, we can finance the materials necessary to create new nest boxes for these owls.

More information about the project

• Website Brabants Landschap: https://www.brabantslandschap.nl/
• Uilenbescherming Brabants Landschap: https://www.brabantslandschap.nl/vrijwilliger/word-vrijwilliger/uilenbescherming/
• Jaarverslag uilenbescherming 2023: https://brabantslandschap.docufiller.nl/docupage/view/ZHBhZzo2ODE0/01eb08b1f126a5dda54aa0915ab29ae5
• Live webcam van broedende uilen: https://www.nestkastnu.nl/kantooruil-haaren/
• Gerard Panken is Uilenbeschermer van het Jaar: https://www.brabantslandschap.nl/actueel/nieuws/gerard-panken-is-uilenbeschermer-van-het-jaar-2024/

About the partner

Brabants Landschap, founded in 1932, has been committed to preserving nature, landscapes, and heritage in the province of Brabant for over 90 years. The organization manages valuable nature reserves and cultural landscapes, including forests and estates. With the help of thousands of volunteers and donors, Brabants Landschap ensures that biodiversity in the region is protected and that nature areas remain accessible for recreation. Their mission is to pass these areas on to future generations, focusing on nature conservation and supporting endangered species such as owls.