Wild Animal Welfare

Wild Redwing Winter Welfare UK

Redwings arrive in the UK each autumn from Scandinavia and Iceland - their welfare during winter depends on berry availability and mild weather.

Key Facts

UK winter redwing populations can exceed one million birds in good years
Fieldfares and redwings move in mixed thrush flocks following berry crops
Prolonged freezing weather makes soil invertebrates inaccessible and forces migration further south
Gardens with cotoneaster, hawthorn, and holly berries provide critical winter food
Climate change is shifting migration timing and winter distribution patterns

Welfare Considerations

Individual redwings spending winter in the UK depend on abundant berry crops and accessible foraging habitat. Gardens and hedgerows that provide berry-bearing plants directly benefit the welfare of these charismatic winter visitors.

What You Can Do

Plant or maintain berry-bearing native shrubs including hawthorn, holly, and cotoneaster
Avoid cutting hedges before October to allow berry development
Report redwing winter flocks to BirdTrack to contribute to population monitoring