A remarkable barn owl has broken records by becoming the oldest ever recorded in Britain and Ireland—while still actively raising a chick. Experts from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) confirmed that the female owl, originally ringed as a chick in 2007 in Nottinghamshire, was discovered during a routine barn owl survey in Lincolnshire in June 2025.
The discovery was made at Eastfield Farm in Hough on the Hill, where the owl was found nesting and tending to a healthy six-week-old chick. This not only makes her the oldest known barn owl in the region—at 18 years and two days—but also proves her remarkable vitality.
The previous longevity record for a barn owl stood at 15 years and seven months. The discovery has astonished ornithologists and conservationists alike.
Alan Ball, a long-time barn owl expert with over four decades of ringing experience, made the find during his regular monitoring duties. “I noticed something slightly peculiar about the ring,” Ball said. “When I checked the records, I was stunned to discover she had first been recorded on 23 June 2007. The day we found her again was 25 June 2025. I was amazed—what an incredible bird.”
Barn owls typically live an average of four years in the wild. Harsh winters and food scarcity take a toll on their survival. However, conservationists note that milder winters in recent years, possibly linked to climate change, have improved survival rates.
Ben Lord, who manages owl conservation efforts on the farm, expressed pride in the discovery. “My grandfather started caring for the owls and built the boxes himself. He’d be thrilled to know one of them is now a record-holder.”
Daniel Whitelegg, assistant conservationist at the Barn Owl Trust, praised the combined efforts of volunteers and landowners. “Only about 40% of barn owls make it to breeding age,” he said. “To have one not just survive but breed at 18 is extraordinary.”
He added that the rise in barn owl numbers is a direct result of conservation work carried out by volunteers across the country. “Thanks to ongoing monitoring, nest box maintenance, and public awareness, barn owls have made a comeback in areas they had almost vanished from.”
While the discovery provides a hopeful symbol for the species, experts stress the importance of continued vigilance and support. “This owl’s survival shows what’s possible with dedication and care,” said Whitelegg. “We hope more people will be inspired to protect these beautiful birds.”
With Eastfield Farm now on the map for its extraordinary resident, bird lovers and conservationists alike have a new symbol of hope—and longevity—in the form of one very determined barn owl.
