Gyöngybagolyvédelmi Alapítvány

Why was the Barn Owl Foundation, Hungary created?

The Barn Owl Foundation, Hungary (BOF, Hungary; in Hungarian “Gyöngybagolyvédelmi Alapítvány”) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to conserving traditional agricultural practice, the natural countryside and rural ways of life, all of which play an important role in the long-term survival of barn owls (Tyto alba) in Hungary and across the rest of Europe. Barn owl populations have been decreasing for decades within developed countries. The main reasons for this are the loss of traditional nesting sites (e.g. old farm buildings, open spires etc.), the intensification of agriculture and the loss of suitable habitats. The barn owl is a well known iconic species, due to its attractive appearance, its conspicuous presence within rural settlements (where it nests) and the association of the species with traditionally managed land (where it hunts). The BOF, Hungary therefore hopes that by providing intensive publicity for barn owl conservation, the support given to the species will also successfully draw attention to to the importance of conserving traditional farming, agriculture and rural values. Traditional low intensity countryside management is not only essential to the conservation of biodiversity, but it also contributes to the successful resurrection and maintenance of disappearing rural lifestyles, organic food production and countryside recreation.

What are our activities?

The BOF, Hungary carries out annual monitoring of the barn owl population within 11 of the 19 counties across of Hungary. Our volunteers visit known nest-sites and help discover / locate previously unrecorded nests, with the aim of accurately determining population size and species distribution across the country. Owlets and adult birds are ringed using EURING protocol. We make buildings suitable for barn owls by installing nest boxes or by re-opening suitable building entrances. We contact as many people as possible who work in the countryside (farmers, building owners, agricultural companies, priests, presbyters etc.) and distribute leaflets and information sheets about the project. Regular talks are given in primary and high schools on the importance of barn owl conservation and related environmental problems. The BOF, Hungary also runs a sanctuary for injured barn owls and a 24 hour emergency phone line. Our volunteers collect  injured barn owls from across the country; this work benefits from close co-operation with Hungarian national parks. The volunteers of the BOF, Hungary regularly take part in scientific conferences and community meetings, these providing valuable information for delivering effective habitat management recommendations and species action plans.

Do we have a membership?

The BOF, Hungary consists of voluntary staff and various paid employees, depending on the level of donations received and funding application successes. As a consequence of the Hungarian law of foundations, the BOF, Hungary cannot have members but is permitted to have volunteers and activists.

Who are the trustees?

There are three trustees of the BOF, Hungary, who are responsible for the legal proceedings of the foundation. Trustees can be any Hungarian citizen who supports the goals of the BOF, Hungary and can constructively criticize the decisions of the volunteers according to a high ethical standard.

Who can be a volunteer?

The BOF, Hungary welcomes everybody (regardless of race, religion, gender or age) who would like to become a volunteer of the foundation. The main language is Hungarian, but we happily practice other foreign languages too.

Who are our target groups?

Our target groups are wide-ranging. The most important are building owners (churchmen, presbyters, farmers) and land owners (ownersof agricultural companies & farmers) with whom careful negotiation is required in order to gain access for nest and roost site survey and management work. As a matter of course, those building and land owners approached are provided with relevant information about barn owl conservation. Another main target group are children (between age 10-18), with a schools based education programme regularly being delivered, both within the classroom and in the field. Additionally, the development of good relations with decision-makers is of importance in influencing habitat management and building reconstruction policy. In addition to specific target groups, the BOF Hungary aims to reach a wide range of people of different ages and backgrounds who might be willing to get involved in barn owl conservation, in the future, or who are already interested in it and would like to join our organisation.

How can you actively take part in our work for the owls?

Work that you can get involved with includes fieldwork, barn owl monitoring, administration, maintenance of the barn owl sanctuary, completing applications in English or correcting our English materials. We also need help in improving the English version of our BOF website (www.gyongybagoly.hu), fundraising and recruiting loads of enthusiastic owl-friends.

How can you contact us?

If you would like to join our organisation, or have any questions and want to know more about owls and nature conservation, please do not hesitate to contact us in English. Write an e-mail (gyongybagoly@gyongybagoly.hu) or telephone (+36 20 322 5620). You can also join our mailing list (please ask us about the details via e-mail).

Volunteer in Hungary as a conservationist! Be useful and dare get involved!

The Barn Owl Foundation, Hungary (BOF, Hungary, in Hungarian Gyöngybagolyvédelmi Alapítvány)
Eötvös u. 34., Gyömrő 2230, Hungary
Tax Identification Number: 18090343-1-13
IBAN: HU96 1170 2036 2065 5705 0000 0000
SWIFT Code (BIC): OTPVHUHB
E-mail: gyongybagoly@gyongybagoly.hu
Website: www.gyongybagoly.hu
Non-stop barn owl emergency phone:
(+36) 20 322 5620

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