Wildlife

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Welfare: Woodland Decline in the UK

The lesser spotted woodpecker is the UK's smallest and most rapidly declining woodpecker, with its welfare linked to the availability of dead and decaying wood in deciduous woodland.

Key Facts

UK lesser spotted woodpecker populations have declined by over 75% since the 1970s
They depend on standing deadwood and decaying branches in old deciduous woodland for nesting and foraging
The species is now restricted to southern England and parts of Wales and the Welsh Borders
Their quiet 'pee pee pee' call and small size makes detection difficult even in occupied woodland

Welfare Considerations

Loss of old trees with standing deadwood through excessive woodland tidying removes both nest cavities and the invertebrate communities lesser spotted woodpeckers depend on for food. Competition for nest holes from great spotted woodpeckers and nuthatches is an additional pressure. Woodland management that retains and creates deadwood is the most important welfare measure.

What You Can Do

Retain standing dead trees and dead branches in woodland wherever safe to do so
Support woodland conservation schemes that specifically address deadwood retention
Record lesser spotted woodpecker presence and submit to national surveys
Donate to organisations working on old woodland conservation including Ancient Tree Forum