Wildlife

Wild Great Spotted Woodpecker Ecology

Great spotted woodpeckers are increasing in UK woodlands but require standing deadwood and mature trees for nesting that are often removed in managed woodlands.

Key Facts

Great spotted woodpeckers excavate new nest holes annually providing cavities for other species
UK populations have expanded significantly benefiting from garden feeders and woodland recovery
Standing deadwood including dead trees provides essential nest sites and invertebrate food
Drumming behaviour is both territorial signalling and foraging for wood-boring larvae
Squirrel feeders provide supplementary food that supports winter survival

Welfare Considerations

Woodpeckers in managed woodlands without standing deadwood face nest site shortages that limit breeding density. The removal of dead trees from managed woodlands deprives woodpeckers of both foraging substrate and nest sites. Retaining veteran and dead trees in woodland management creates habitat that benefits both woodpecker welfare and the many other species that use their abandoned nest holes.

What You Can Do

Retain standing deadwood and veteran trees in any woodland management
Provide supplementary food including peanuts in feeders to support winter woodpecker welfare
Advocate for dead wood retention to be a standard requirement in woodland management grants