The barn owl, with its ghostly white face and silent flight, is one of Britain’s most enchanting nocturnal hunters. Feeding mainly on small mammals such as voles, shrews, and mice, it plays a vital role in keeping rodent populations in balance. Once widespread, barn owl numbers declined sharply in the 20th century due to habitat loss, road traffic, and changes in farming practices. Today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, such as nest box schemes and habitat restoration, their populations are slowly recovering in some areas, though they remain vulnerable and a cherished symbol of farmland biodiversity.