Wildlife

Wild Marsh Tit and Willow Tit Welfare

Marsh tit and willow tit populations have declined severely in the UK, with their welfare dependent on specific woodland habitat features.

Key Facts

Willow tit populations declined by 91% in the UK between 1970 and 2020
They excavate their own nest holes in soft rotting wood - no other species provides this
Loss of damp scrubby woodland with rotting willows and alders has driven decline
Marsh tits also declined by 68% and require mature deciduous woodland
Neither species is effectively catered for by standard nest boxes

Welfare Considerations

Willow tits unable to find appropriate rotting wood for nest excavation cannot breed. Their highly specific habitat requirements mean generic woodland management does not support them. Targeted habitat management retaining and creating suitable rotting wood features directly addresses willow tit welfare needs.

What You Can Do

Support targeted willow tit habitat management in appropriate woodlands
Advocate for retention of standing dead wood and rotting willows in woodland management
Donate to organisations surveying and managing willow tit habitats