Wild Animal Welfare

Wild Marsh Tit Nest Box Provision

Marsh tits rarely use standard nest boxes but benefit from boxes with specific entrance dimensions in appropriate woodland habitat.

Key Facts

Marsh tits require entrance holes of 25mm diameter rather than the standard 32mm
Boxes should be placed low (1-2m) on tree trunks in dense deciduous woodland
Unlike blue and great tits, marsh tits excavate or enlarge natural cavities
Tree cavities created by woodpeckers and rot are preferred over artificial boxes
Provision of boxes in areas with limited natural cavities supports population recovery

Welfare Considerations

Individual marsh tits in woodland with appropriate nest sites successfully raise chicks in habitat that meets their specific requirements. Targeted nest box provision that matches marsh tit preferences provides direct welfare benefit where natural cavities are limiting.

What You Can Do

Install 25mm entrance hole boxes in appropriate dense woodland habitats
Support woodland management that retains deadwood and natural cavity trees
Engage with bird ringing groups to monitor nest box occupancy