BUPA and RSPB's House Sparrow Project

As some of you may know, the house sparrow is in decline.  In order to help reverse this dire situation the RSPB has been trialling a special mix of seed in their house sparrow project, the aim being to boost sparrow numbers. You can read further info on sparrow population trends here.  It is a sad fact that house sparrow numbers have dropped by 55% since the RSPB's first Birdwatch survey in 1979. 

This special mix is a blend of annuals which will provide nectar for the insects that the birds eat.  A component of the mix also provides seeds for birds.  This mix is comprised of the following - linseed, triticale, barley, phacelia, white millet and sunflower.  These provide the seed and insect element.  To enhance the appearance and provide additional nectar, the following cornfield annuals have been added - corn chamomile, corn marigold, corncockle, cornflower, field poppy, scentless mayweed and white campion.

As part of its Wildlife Week (7-13 May), BUPA has teamed up with the RSPB to sow this mix in their 300+ care homes.  Their wildlife week is a week of special activities designed to create wildlife havens in their care home grounds.  If you are interested in what they are doing, or would like to help, please visit BUPA's website for more info.

Our role in this project has been to provide the seeds for the mix.  This mix is now available in our website shop if you would like to create a similar "feeding ground" for the birds in your garden.

Other things you can do to help both the sparrows and other birds:

Put a bird bath in your garden to provide water and a bathing area, even an upturned dustbin lid will do! However, birds will only use it if they feel safe.  They will need to have clear visibility with bushes and trees nearby to fly into for cover if alarmed, and for perching on for preening.  Birds will also visit and try to use water barrels or drinking troughs during periods of drought, which can lead to them drowning so it is a good idea to cover them over if you can or make them safer by placing a branch or blank of wood in the water so they can land, bathe and drink safely.

Put up nest boxes.  Sparrow nest boxes should be placed 2 - 4 metres up a tree, wall or side of house or, even better, under the eaves of a building.  Face the box between north and east away from strong sunlight and rain.  The hole in the box should be no less than 32 mm diameter.

Sow the aforementioned wildlife seed mix.

Create a foraging area of long grass for sparrows in front of shrubs.