Wildlife

Redwing Welfare in UK Winters

Redwings migrate from Scandinavia and Iceland to winter in the UK. Cold snaps and loss of berry-bearing hedgerows threaten their welfare in harsh winters.

Key Facts

Up to a million redwings winter in the UK annually
They rely heavily on berried hedgerows, particularly hawthorn and holly
During prolonged cold or snow, mortality rates increase sharply
Redwings are among the first thrushes to die in extreme cold events
Planting berry-bearing shrubs significantly supports winter survival

Welfare Considerations

Redwings face welfare crises during extended cold spells when berry stocks are exhausted and ground is frozen. Emaciation from food deprivation leads to rapid hypothermia. Maintaining diverse berry-bearing hedgerows and shrubs provides essential food. Garden supplementary feeding with fallen apples and soft fruits helps birds survive hard frosts that freeze natural food supplies.

What You Can Do

Plant hawthorn, holly, and rowan in gardens and hedgerows
Put out apples and soft fruits for redwings and fieldfares in winter
Retain berry-bearing hedgerows on farmland
Support BTO studies on winter thrush survival and feeding ecology