Wildlife

UK Fieldfare and Redwing Winter Welfare

Welfare of fieldfares and redwings wintering in UK orchards and farmland during winter.

Key Facts

Fieldfares and redwings arrive in the UK in October from Scandinavian breeding grounds
Harsh winters in Scandinavia drive large influxes to UK farmland and orchards
Berry-laden hedgerows and orchards are critical winter food resources
Prolonged frost can cause starvation when berries and invertebrates are inaccessible
UK berry crop monitoring helps predict winter thrush welfare in advance

Welfare Considerations

Individual fieldfares and redwings face welfare risks from severe winters when berry crops are exhausted, with hedgerow management and orchard conservation supporting winter survival.

What You Can Do

Plant berry-bearing hedgerow species to support wintering thrushes
Leave windfallen apples in orchards as winter food for fieldfares and redwings
Support old orchard conservation through the PTES