Wildlife

Wild Marsh Tit: Nest Box Programme and Population Support

Targeted nest box programmes for marsh tits provide breeding sites where dead wood resources are insufficient.

Key Facts

Marsh tits use nest boxes with 32mm entrance holes in mature broadleaf woodland
Nest box occupancy rates are highest where dead wood is scarce and competition is high
Monitoring of nest boxes allows welfare assessment of eggs and chick condition
Marsh tit nest box programmes in priority woodland have supported local population maintenance

Welfare Considerations

Marsh tits that lack suitable nest sites fail to breed. Targeted nest box installation in priority woodland with monitoring provides breeding opportunities and welfare data. The investment in nest box provision and monitoring is low compared to the welfare benefit of supported breeding pairs.

What You Can Do

Install marsh tit nest boxes in mature broadleaf woodland where you have access
Participate in BTO Nest Record Scheme monitoring of nest box contents
Support Wildlife Trust programmes providing and monitoring nest boxes for marsh tits