Wildlife

Treecreeper Welfare and Bark Crevice Roosting

Treecreepers are specialist bark-foraging birds that roost in excavated crevices in soft-barked trees such as wellingtonia and cedar, using communal sites in cold weather.

Key Facts

Treecreepers excavate individual roost hollows in soft bark to reduce heat loss
Wellingtonia bark is particularly favoured for roosting in the UK
They forage by spiralling upward on tree trunks, probing bark for invertebrates
Cold periods increase mortality risk as invertebrate activity declines

Welfare Considerations

Treecreeper welfare depends critically on access to large veteran trees with rough or soft bark for roosting and foraging. Removal of old trees eliminates roost sites that may have been used for generations. Cold winter nights in particular require secure, insulated roost crevices.

What You Can Do

Retain veteran trees with rough bark and natural cavities in gardens and estates
Plant wellingtonia or cedar where space permits for roost site creation
Avoid unnecessary tidying of tree bark and crevices during winter
Record treecreeper activity to contribute to BTO atlas surveys