Wildlife

UK Great Tit and Coal Tit Woodland Welfare

Conservation and welfare of great tits and coal tits in UK woodland and garden habitats.

Key Facts

Great tits are highly adaptable and among the most studied birds globally
Coal tits are associated with conifer woodland and exploit different food niches from great tits
Both species readily use nest boxes and garden feeders
Great tit populations show evidence of climate-driven evolutionary change in clutch timing
Coal tit populations are relatively stable across their woodland habitat

Welfare Considerations

Great tits and coal tits face welfare pressures from climate mismatch between breeding timing and caterpillar availability, with woodland management delivering food chain support.

What You Can Do

Install nest boxes in suitable positions for great and coal tits
Record tit nesting success to assist BTO Nest Record Scheme
Support woodland conservation with native tree species to support caterpillar prey