Do you have a passion for nature and a knack for spotting birds? Our Wet Willow Wildlife project is currently looking for volunteers to help us track down a tiny bird, the elusive willow tit. It is a resident bird in the UK, but has seen its population plummet in recent years due to the loss of its natural habitats. Smaller than the common great tit you might spot at your bird feeder, the willow tit is a master of blending in, spending much of its time deep within dense, wet willow woodlands. If you’ve heard its name but never spotted this legendary little bird, you’re not alone!
Citizen Science – Become a willow tit survey volunteer
Jessica Fung
Wet Willow Wildlife is our Species Survival Fund project enhancing wet willow habitats at landscape scale to support a multitude of species, including the wonderful willow tit, bees, moths, amphibians, mammals, plants, birds and more. Find out what we’ve been up to - and how you can get involved.
Bird surveying might sound complicated and something only for professionals, but with citizen science, it's easier and more enjoyable than you think. You don’t need to be an expert ornithologist to help us out. With a little guidance, you can easily become part of the solution. The good news is you might already be halfway there— if you enjoy a morning walk or casual birding, you’re already practicing the skills needed to become a willow tit surveyor.
In partnership with The Conservation Volunteers and the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit, we’re hosting a series of willow tit survey training workshops. These interactive sessions will not only teach you about the fascinating fun facts about willow tits but also equip you with the surveying techniques you’ll need to become one of our band of vital willow tit surveyors.
Willow tit. Photo by Harry Hogg
Volunteers will be able to design their own route to walk through potentially suitable habitat to record the population of willow tit. It’s an invaluable opportunity to apply scientific method to record the local wildlife and grasp the chance to have a closer encounter of willow tit. During the pre-breeding season, willow tits are territorial so volunteers will use a playback method to play a standard willow tit call at surveying points, wait for a response, and record any sightings. It's like a birdwatching treasure hunt— but with science!
All data collected by volunteers will be contributed to the national database to analyse willow tit populations and support habitat connectivity management on a local level. After a successful survey last year in areas including Bolton, Trafford, and the Mersey Gateway, we’re excited to expand our efforts this year to include the Chat Moss area of Greater Manchester, particularly in the western part of Salford.
This is your chance to blend your love for nature with a little adventure and scientific exploration. If you’ve ever wanted to make a real difference in wildlife conservation and have fun while doing it, now is the time to get involved.
Start your journey as a willow tit survey volunteer today. Let's help these little birds thrive once again!
