Thanks will email you

Sure go for it!

Yes they’ve decline dramatically in lowland England, the main theory being they are missing the breeding of dunnock which they usually parasite due to warm springs. They are doing well in uplands though where they parasite meadow pipit.

Record shot from back of camera

… as well if not better in ash/birch, as opposed to oak woodland which is the assumed ‘stereotype habitat’. I suppose this could be related to other factors like insect abundance, due to thinner canopy and more deadwood (natural and ash dieback) in ash/birch woodland.

Okay thanks, I’m mostly playing devils advocate and agree with you, I just often hear the ‘lack of cavities’ argument thrown about. I asked about the greater frequency of cavities in ash/birch, because I feel that many of the classic western species like pied/spot fly and redstarts are doing…

Additionally do you think this has a bearing on what kind of woodlands need boxes?

Hi Richard just picking this up again, would you say that natural cavities are more abundant in ancient woodland than is popularly perceived and would you say that they are more abundant in ash, Alder and birch woodland than oak woods, due to dying and displaying veteran features younger?

Hi Hannah, sounds like a very interesting site! Could you provide more details? Shall I DM you?

Completely agree 👌

Thanks Richard, I will use this as a reference when I make my case! Hopefully other trusts will follow

No problem! Question for you: I am going to be advising management on all HWT reserves; in your view would you recommend the removal of nest boxes in marsh/willow tit habitat? Understandably this gets alot of pushback from volunteers, but this is where education based on latest research is required

Yes I agree. Really enjoying your book! Very valuable insight for me working in the Welsh Marches, where we are most notable for scarce woodland passerines: our marsh tit population seems to be comparatively healthy, willow tit likely under recorded in remote woodlands on the Welsh border.

Ok, start on here?