Wildlife

Twite Welfare in Upland and Coastal Habitats

The twite is a priority species in the UK whose welfare is threatened by the loss of traditional hay meadows and coastal salt marshes used for feeding.

Key Facts

Twite are the only finch species that breeds predominantly in upland areas
UK population is critically small with major declines in recent decades
They depend on seed-rich hay meadows and coastal vegetation in winter
Breeding in harsh upland conditions creates significant welfare challenges
Northern England and Scottish uplands hold most remaining populations

Welfare Considerations

Twite face welfare pressures from both breeding and wintering habitats. In uplands, early chick mortality from cold snaps is a significant concern. On coastal wintering grounds, loss of salt marsh and coastal grassland reduces food availability. The combination of breeding and wintering habitat degradation creates severe population-level welfare impacts.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that maintain hay meadows
Advocate for salt marsh protection on key wintering sites
Participate in twite monitoring schemes
Support Pennine and Scottish upland farming partnerships
Create seed-rich patches in coastal and upland gardens