Wildlife Conservation

Wild Willow Tit Decline and Wet Woodland Habitat

Willow tits have undergone the steepest decline of any resident UK bird, falling by approximately 83% since the 1970s. Loss of damp, scrubby woodland is the primary driver.

Key Facts

Willow tit populations declined by 83% between 1967 and 2016 in the UK
They are unique among UK tits in excavating their own nest holes in soft, rotten wood
Drainage of wet woodland removes the soft dead wood needed for nest excavation
Willow tit habitat is restricted and highly fragmented across the UK
Conservation reserves managing wet woodland specifically for willow tits are showing early results

Welfare Considerations

Willow tit welfare depends on the survival of wet, scrubby woodland with dead wood - one of the most neglected and threatened habitat types in the UK. The scale of decline demands urgent, targeted management.

What You Can Do

Support Wildlife Trusts managing wet woodland for willow tit conservation
Record willow tit sightings to support population monitoring through BTO surveys
Advocate for wet woodland creation and protection in agri-environment scheme design