A 12ft mural has been unveiled at the Bog Meadows Nature Reserve in west Belfast in a bid to raise awareness of the plight of barn owls.
Nature conservation charity, Ulster Wildlife said that the image of the barn owl in flight symbolises “hope for the species’ recovery in and around Belfast”.
A decade ago, a dead barn owl, later named “Patricia,” was discovered on the M1 near the reserve, serving as a stark reminder of the species’ struggles.
Barn owls
Once a familiar sight, barn owls have suffered a dramatic decline due to habitat loss, dwindling nesting sites, and road traffic threats.
According to Ulster Wildlife, there are fewer than 30 breeding pairs in Northern Ireland.
However, conservation efforts are starting to pay off, with sightings of these rare birds of prey on the rise.
There are “encouraging signs of recovery”, with barn owl sightings increasing around Slievenacloy Nature Reserve, a species-rich grassland managed by the charity.
“We want to raise awareness of barn owls locally, and this striking mural is a powerful reminder that they were once much more common in Belfast.
Katy Bell, senior conservation officer with Ulster Wildlife, said, “The increase in sightings is incredibly positive, and we hope that, by working together, more people in Belfast will have the chance to see barn owls like Patricia in the future.”
The mural, located in the community wildlife garden at Bog Meadows, was created by artist Marc Craig over two days.
It is part of the UK-wide Ark of Extinction project, which turns street art into action for endangered species.
Craig said, “These incredible birds of prey face a real battle for survival, and I hope this artwork raises awareness and inspires action.
“It’s an honour to contribute to their conservation through creativity and community engagement,”
The mural was also a hands-on experience for the local community, who took part in a barn owl graffiti workshop and left with keepsakes of their own artwork.
Ulster Wildlife is urging the public to support barn owl conservation in Northern Ireland by reporting sightings.
“Locating nest sites is very important for barn owl conservation. This will enable us to work in partnership with landowners to protect breeding sites, monitor chicks, provide help and advice, and promote good practice for managing land for barn owls,” the charity said.
Landowners can also help by creating rough grass margins and reducing or eliminating rodenticide use. Those with suitable land may even be eligible for a barn owl nesting box.
Ulster Wildlife has also created a guide that provides details on what the birds need to survive in the Northern Irish countryside.
The following is a summary of actions landowners can take:
- Maintain wooded areas and woodland edges for wood mice and other small mammals;
- Maintain, create, and enhance hedgerows through native planting and trimming regimes;
- Provide 2-6m field margins that are grazed lightly or rotationally cut every other year;
- Plant wild bird cover or pollinator margins;
- Retain winter stubbles throughout the winter months;
- Retain large mature trees for natural nesting cavities and perch points;
- Retain old stone buildings;
- Put up nest boxes if suitable (indoor or outdoor);
- Stop rodenticide use or follow the guidance for the safe use of rodenticides.
- Look out for barn owls and report any sightings to Ulster Wildlife.
