Wildlife

Wild Nuthatch Woodland Welfare

Nuthatches are distinctive woodland birds dependent on mature deciduous trees for foraging and nest sites, with welfare linked to woodland quality.

Key Facts

Nuthatches plaster mud around nest hole entrances to customise the size
They are the only UK bird that can walk head-first down tree trunks
Nuthatch territory quality is measured by bark invertebrate abundance
Nuthatch populations are expanding northward in Scotland as climate warms
Loss of mature deciduous woodland removes foraging and nesting resources

Welfare Considerations

Nuthatch welfare depends on old, bark-rich deciduous trees with abundant invertebrates in crevices. Woodland management that retains veteran trees with rough bark and dead wood supports individual nuthatch welfare through access to food and nest sites.

What You Can Do

Support woodland conservation maintaining mature deciduous trees
Install nest boxes suitable for nuthatches in mature woodland
Advocate for veteran tree retention in woodland management plans