Native trees linked to higher chick numbers in woodland birds
A new study led by researchers from the University of Glasgow finds that native trees, notably the English oak, play a crucial role in the reproductive success of woodland birds and the survival of their young. The research suggests that forests with a higher abundance of native tree species support larger chick numbers and healthier fledglings compared with woodland areas dominated by non-native trees or monocultures.
Across several woodlands in the region, scientists monitored breeding pairs, chick growth, and fledging rates over multiple seasons. They combined field observations with insect surveys to gauge the food that young birds rely on during the critical early weeks of life. The data indicate that native trees foster richer invertebrate communities, offering a more abundant and diverse source of nourishment for chick development.
Lead author Dr. Fiona MacLeod explained that the findings highlight the indirect ways trees shape avian life. “English oaks and other native species create a complex habitat that supports a wide array of insects and spiders,” she said. “This bounty translates into better provisioning for nestlings, faster growth, and higher fledging success.”
In addition to feeding birds, native trees provide nest sites and shelter from predators and harsh weather. Tree hollows, broken branches, and dense foliage created by native species can reduce nest failure due to predation or cold snaps. The research team notes that such microhabitats are less common in areas where native trees have been replaced by uniform plantations of non-native species, which often offer limited nesting opportunities and insect diversity.
The study’s findings align with broader conservation calls to restore native habitats as a strategy to support biodiversity. By prioritizing native tree restoration within woodlands, land managers may bolster bird populations, enhance ecosystem services, and improve resilience to environmental change.
What this means for woodland management
Conservationists and foresters are encouraged to integrate native tree corridors and mixed native habitats into woodland management plans. Strategies include planting a diversity of native species at varying densities, protecting veteran trees that harbor invaluable nesting cavities, and promoting structural variation in canopy and understory layers. Such approaches can help sustain the insect communities that feed nestlings and provide a stable environment for breeding birds.
Public and private landowners can contribute by avoiding large-scale removal of native trees, especially in areas known for high bird diversity. Where replanting is necessary, native mixes that reflect regional ecosystems tend to yield better long-term outcomes for both birds and the wider forest community.
The study also adds to a growing awareness that protecting native trees benefits more than a single species. When native trees thrive, they ripple through the food web, supporting a range of woodland creatures—from insects that feed young birds to mammals that maintain forest balance.
Keeping forests vibrant for future generations
As climate change continues to alter forest composition and food webs, maintaining a strong base of native trees could be a key component of resilient woodland ecosystems. The University of Glasgow team plans to extend their research to examine how native tree diversity influences other breeding birds and seasonal migrants, offering a broader picture of how forest stewardship can sustain biodiversity in changing times.
Ultimately, the evidence is clear: nurturing native trees like the English oak is not only a matter of conservation aesthetics but also a practical step toward boosting chick numbers and the overall vitality of woodland bird communities.
