Habitat restoration begins for endangered willow tits at Threave

These small birds have suffered severe population decline in recent years. Numbers fell by 86% during the 15-year period between 1995 and 2020, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation as well as competition with other tit species. There are estimated to be around 5,700 pairs of willow tits across Scotland, England and Wales currently – they are now the most rapidly declining species in the UK, with some populations becoming locally extinct. 

This has resulted in a scattered and patchy distribution of this species across the UK. Within Scotland, the willow tit is now restricted to areas of Dumfries & Galloway. Threave Garden & Nature Reserve is fortunate to be home to three breeding willow tit pairs; due to their Red-listed status, willow tit is one of the Trust’s priority species in our Plan for Nature.

David Thompson, the National Trust for Scotland’s Head Ranger at Threave Garden & Nature Reserve, said: ‘With the support of our dedicated volunteers, we have begun targeted willow tit habitat enhancement work at Threave, focusing on restoring and expanding the lowland wet woodland environment preferred by this species.

‘This work supports not only willow tits but also a broad range of wet woodland and scrubland species that are experiencing similar habitat pressures.’

Nicky Downing, Senior Nature Conservation Advisor for Farmland at the Trust, said: ‘As the largest independent conservation charity in Scotland, we have a responsibility to protect the nature in our care. The Trust will continue to monitor and manage the woodland at Threave to ensure the preservation of suitable habitat for willow tits. As this particular species is relatively sedentary in nature and won’t readily disperse to new pockets of habitat, it is vital that we improve their current environment at Threave for them to thrive across Dumfries & Galloway. Every species we protect is a step towards safeguarding Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone.’

Launched in 2024, the Trust’s Plan for Nature outlines our ambitions for conserving the nature in our care. It will play an important part in delivering government commitments for nature, including the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, and tackling the nature and climate crises.

The Plan for Nature supports the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to provide access and enjoyment of Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in our 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.