Hampshire Sparrow Survey
March 14, 2010 by wosuser
A MAJOR survey of Hampshire house sparrow population begins next Monday. Ornithological organisations and Hampshire County Council are behind the three-month study – aimed at reversing declines in the species and discovering where they thrive best. Experts says the sparrow population has halved in the past 25 years. Across South-East England there has been a 65 per cent drop in house sparrow numbers, say ornithological groups.
Changes in farming practices and modern house building methods are being blamed for the sparrow’s decline Wildlife expert and TV presenter Chris Packham, President of the Hampshire Ornithological Society, said: “The House Sparrow is a great British bird, it would be terrible if we did nothing to stop its disappearance.”
Hampshire’s cabinet spokesman for the environment Mel Kendal, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Hampshire to do something very positive for our local wildlife which might help safeguard the future of a familiar visitor to our neighbourhoods.”
Sparrow watchers are asked to log sightings online at www.hants.gov.uk/housesparrow where there is also advice on how to encourage sparrows and other birds into gardens and other places.
Report from Salisbury Journal, 10th March
