The causes of urban declines are not yet fully understood but research suggests that they are many and complex, including:
- Loss of nesting habitat.
- Reduction in the availability of favoured food, either for adults or chicks or both.
- Increased prevalence of disease.
- Increased levels of pollution, especially from car exhausts.
- Increased levels of predation.
The small town of Wigston in South Leicester is representative of the wider urban/suburban habitat in which Sparrows once thrived and has seen declines inline with the National average. A mix of modern housing, 1970/80’s detached and semi-detached housing and a range of long-standing terrace and town housing are all within the Wigston catchment while much of the South, East and West of the town is flanked by farmland and open countryside.
The Wigston Sparrow Project will be an ongoing experiment and conservation initiative that will undertake surveying and monitoring of the current population of House Sparrows in the Wigston catchment. Alongside partners and volunteers the project will look to establish and maintain connected habitat, provide nesting sites/boxes and educate and engage with the local community on how we can help to protect and conserve this valuable species. Ultimately, we want our Sparrows back!
You can find out more about the project and how to get involved by following the links at the top of this page. For all the latest news and discussion see our blog!
Wigston Sparrow Project 