Conservation and welfare of nuthatches in UK woodland and their distribution patterns.
Key Facts
Nuthatches are expanding their UK range northward as climate warms
UK population has increased significantly since the 1970s
They cache food including nuts in bark crevices for winter consumption
Nest holes are plastered with mud to reduce the entrance to fit the bird
Nuthatches are resident throughout the year and highly territorial
Welfare Considerations
Individual nuthatches depend on mature woodland with large trees for foraging and nesting, with woodland management practices directly affecting their welfare.
What You Can Do
Support ancient woodland conservation through the Woodland Trust
Record nuthatch sightings at the northern edge of their range to assist monitoring
Install nuthatch-compatible nest boxes in mature woodland garden settings