Nest boxes could be torn down and buildings “owl-proofed” if extra legal protection is given to barn owls, a leading Tayside environmental organisation has warned.
The Scottish Government is considering whether to add various bird species to lists that would protect their nests or protect them from harassment under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
At present only the sea eagle is listed, but Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has proposed that consideration be given to adding the likes of golden eagles, kites, merlins, capercaillies, ospreys and owls.
The Tayside Biodiversity Partnership is broadly in favour of such a move, but said it was worried about the legislation having “unintended consequences” when it came to barn owls.
It said, “Through the Tayside biodiversity action plan we have been working closely with farmers to provide nest boxes and habitats for barn owls throughout Tayside.
“The projects that have been run have been very successful, and we have noticed an increase in barn owl numbers over recent years.
“However, if we now tell every farmer who has encouraged barn owls on their farm and put nest boxes in their buildings that in perpetuity they will not be able to sell or develop those buildings and that there is no licensing mechanism to allow this, then we can expect to see those nest boxes removed very quickly before the new legislation is enacted, and any remaining buildings ‘owl-proofed’ overnight.”
The partnership said it would also like swallows and swifts included on the lists as there were concerns that protection of their nest sites is inadequate.
The Scottish Government is now considering responses to a consultation on the legislation before deciding which species should be given additional protection. SNH has called for golden eagles and ospreys to be added as a minimum.