How Do You Look After Kestrels? is a short wildlife conservation documentary from Orange Planet Pictures exploring the work being carried out to protect kestrels in the United Kingdom.

​

Filmed in 2019 with Hawk Conservancy Trust conservation biologist Dr Matt Stevens, the film provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the UK’s most dedicated kestrel conservation programmes.

​

Kestrels are one of Britain’s most recognisable birds of prey, but their numbers have declined in some parts of the country. To help support local populations, the Hawk Conservancy Trust manages an extensive network of artificial nest boxes designed to provide safe breeding sites for wild kestrels.

​

The documentary follows Dr Stevens as he monitors and maintains more than 1,000 nest boxes across the countryside. Viewers are given a unique opportunity to look inside these nesting sites, meet kestrel chicks growing inside the boxes, and learn how careful conservation work helps young birds survive and thrive.

​

Through fieldwork, monitoring and public engagement, the project demonstrates how practical conservation efforts can make a real difference for birds of prey in the UK.

​

The film offers a fascinating insight into the daily work of wildlife conservationists and highlights the importance of protecting kestrels and other raptors across Britain’s landscapes.

​

Species featured
Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus)

​

Location
United Kingdom

​

Organisation featured
Hawk Conservancy Trust

​

Topic
Bird of prey conservation and nest box monitoring

​

Produced by
Orange Planet Pictures