The Woolston New Cut Canal has been selected as one of the locations to be surveyed as part of a co-ordinated surveillance of this species in the months March and May 2016. The survey is being undertaken as part of the Carbon Landscape project under the guidance of Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside Wildlife Trusts.

Willow tit numbers have declined rapidly in the last three decades. Results from national monitoring schemes suggest the British Willow Tit population declined by 87% between 1970 and 2005, making it one of the UK’s most rapidly declining breeding birds. Nevertheless, it is estimated that 10% of the UK population or these birds is to be found within the carbon landscape area of the north west.

The aim of the survey is to better estimate the existing willow tit population in the local area and to provide relevant habitat information to hopefully increase future willow tit numbers. The birds nest typically in a rotted tree stump in a hole the birds make themselves each year and it is thought that areas of the New Cut canal may provide ideal conditions.

Need help to identify a Willow Tit? The best way is by listening to it’s call. This BTO link my help.

If you live close to the New Cut canal and believe you may have seen a willow tit on your bird feeders or whilst walking along the canal trail, please contact Terry Eagan on 07710 548170 or email terryeagan@lineone.net with the details.