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Guest blog: Why are willow tits disappearing from our woodlands?
Guest blog from Ben Secker who is is a Doctoral Researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University studying the willow tit.
June 17, 2026
SongBird Survival is working to change the future of songbirds by funding research into the causes of the decline, and creating solutions.
Our scientific research found chemicals used in veterinary flea and tick treatments present in birds' nests. These pesticides have potentially harmful effects on songbirds.
Our campaign will help raise awareness of the environmental risks associated with these treatments.
Do you remember the last time you heard a chaffinch sing? That trill - a familiar sound of spring - is now under threat. There are 49 songbird species considered 'at risk' in the UK, yet a recent YouGov survey found that 44% of people have no idea songbirds are in trouble.
That matters, because people can only act when they know there is a problem.
Will you donate to turn awareness into action, and research into real change for songbirds?
We need your help to fund our crucial independent research and work.
Join our community and receive our exclusive membership benefits.
Guest blog from Ben Secker who is is a Doctoral Researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University studying the willow tit.
The BTO have published the most recent data in the 2025 Breeding Birds Survey. We discuss the results and the trends for songbirds.
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