Nuthatches are non-migratory woodland birds that have expanded their range northward in recent decades. Their welfare depends on mature woodland with large trees providing nesting cavities and invertebrate prey.
Individual nuthatches depend on specific large trees for both nesting and winter food caching. Loss of ancient and veteran trees removes irreplaceable nesting habitat. The warming climate enabling range expansion also creates new welfare challenges as nuthatches encounter unfamiliar habitats and competitors. Protecting ancient woodland and veteran trees maintains the habitat structure that nuthatch welfare depends on.