Call to help our woodpeckers

Birdwatchers are being urged to help map breeding records of the declining Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Numbers of the sparrow-sized birds have fallen in recent years, and it is now on the UK Red List. RSPB research suggests the birds have not been breeding successfully. Now, two conservationists, Ken and Linda Smith, with more than 30 years experience of monitoring woodpecker nests, are hoping to build a clear picture of where the birds are and how well they are breeding. They began their research in 2015, and have followed 10 nests each year, but in 2017 they hope to be able to study more. Now is the time to look and listen out for these birds. In March, Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers are more obvious, with the birds calling and drumming to declare their territories. If you discover any Lesser Spotted Woodpecker nest sites, contact Ken at ken.smith.lsw@gmail.com