Wildlife

Redstart Welfare in Oak Woodland

The redstart is a summer migrant that nests in cavities in mature oak woodland, facing welfare pressures from woodland loss and long-distance migration hazards.

Key Facts

Males have brilliant orange-red tail and black face
Uses tree holes and stone walls for nesting
Feeds on invertebrates gleaned from woodland floor
UK breeding population around 100,000 pairs
Winters in sub-Saharan Africa

Welfare Considerations

Loss of mature oak woodland with standing deadwood reduces nest hole availability. Pesticide use in breeding habitat reduces caterpillar and invertebrate prey. Long migration routes cross the Sahara Desert, where drought increases mortality.

What You Can Do

Support ancient woodland protection and restoration
Install nest boxes with 45mm entrance holes in woodland
Reduce pesticide use near breeding habitat
Donate to woodland bird conservation projects