Wildlife

Wild Fieldfare Winter UK Welfare

Conservation and welfare of fieldfares wintering in the UK from Scandinavian breeding grounds.

Key Facts

Fieldfares are winter visitors to UK farmland, hedgerows, and orchards from October to April
Severe winter weather causes mortality when traditional food sources are covered by snow or ice
Fieldfares rely on hedgerow berries in early winter transitioning to earthworms in fields
UK farmland intensification has reduced berry availability in many formerly productive areas
Apple orchards are important winter feeding sites, particularly in hard weather

Welfare Considerations

Fieldfare welfare during UK winters depends on berry and invertebrate availability. Hedgerow removal and intensification have reduced food supply, leaving birds vulnerable during cold snaps. Maintaining and restoring hedgerows with berry-bearing species directly benefits winter thrush welfare.

What You Can Do

Plant berry-rich hedgerows including hawthorn, holly, and rowan in farmland and gardens
Advocate for hedgerow protection and restoration requirements in agricultural policy
Put out windfall apples during severe winter weather to support fieldfares and redwings