Wildlife

Wild UK Song Thrush Conservation

Conservation of song thrushes in UK gardens, farmland, and woodland habitats, facing multiple pressures.

Key Facts

Song thrush populations have declined by 73% in the UK since the 1970s
Loss of earthworm-rich garden and farmland habitats is a primary driver
Pesticide effects on invertebrate food supplies reduce breeding productivity
Garden management including leaving areas of bare soil and mulched beds supports foraging
Song thrushes are unique in using anvil stones to break snail shells, requiring suitable snail populations

Welfare Considerations

Song thrush welfare depends on accessible earthworm-rich soil and abundant snail populations. The dual loss of these food sources through pesticide use and hard landscaping creates chronic food shortage. Individual birds in food-poor gardens face reduced body condition and reproductive failure.

What You Can Do

Avoid pesticides and hard landscaping that eliminate earthworms and snails from your garden
Provide areas of mulched beds and bare soil for thrush foraging
Record song thrush sightings to contribute to population monitoring