Chris Monk
Well-known member
Schoolchildren and farmers join bird rescue mission - Operation Tree Sparrow
Schoolchildren, students, farmers and local communities have mounted a rescue bid to help a farmland bird that's in trouble.
The RSPB Operation Tree Sparrow sees them come together in the fight to save the tree sparrow - a bird that has suffered alarming population declines in the last 30 years.
From Lancashire to Cheshire, volunteers have placed feeding stations and over 200 nestboxes in tree sparrow 'hot spots', where the birds are still hanging on. Already more than nine tonnes of seed has been delivered and will be put out over the course of the next few weeks.
Children at Treales CE School, near Kirkham on the Fylde, have 'adopted' a colony of tree sparrows near their school. Headteacher Mrs Mary Hewitt said: 'The children have taken the responsibility of caring for the tree sparrows very seriously and the scheme has become part of a project on developing the school grounds and environment.'
'The children have taken the responsibility of caring for the tree sparrows very seriously'The school backs onto land at Cross Hill Farm where nest boxes will be sited. Farmer Brian Robinson said: 'As a farmer, I think it is good to be doing conservation work and the ability to link with the local school appealed because it is important to have an area for children to learn about local wildlife.'
Carol Coupe, RSPB Farmland Birds Officer said: 'We have had a fantastic response from people keen to get involved with this project and to work alongside the RSPB, helping to reverse the decline in our farmland birds, such as tree sparrows. Without the continuing support of all those involved, projects like this would not be possible.'
Farmers around Burscough and Pilling in Lancashire, and local bird groups such as Fylde Bird Club and South East Cheshire Ornithological Society are already working independently to help tree sparrows and have been doing for sometime.
The RSPB's Operation Tree Sparrow project recognises the work already taking place and is looking to enhance and support that work by extending the project into new hot spot areas.
Tree sparrows are generally found on arable or mixed lowland farmland. The adults feed on seeds and feed their young with small insects. Tree sparrows seek out areas where both sources of food are readily available. This can include rough grassy areas, winter stubbles, weeds in crop margins and damp areas.
Traditionally, tree sparrows nest in holes in trees and farm buildings. They are sociable birds and generally nest in colonies. Operation Tree Sparrow will provide small groups of nest boxes and establish winter feeding stations - with the hope of sustaining and increasing populations in the coming years.
Source: RSPB Public Affairs
20 June 2005
Schoolchildren, students, farmers and local communities have mounted a rescue bid to help a farmland bird that's in trouble.
The RSPB Operation Tree Sparrow sees them come together in the fight to save the tree sparrow - a bird that has suffered alarming population declines in the last 30 years.
From Lancashire to Cheshire, volunteers have placed feeding stations and over 200 nestboxes in tree sparrow 'hot spots', where the birds are still hanging on. Already more than nine tonnes of seed has been delivered and will be put out over the course of the next few weeks.
Children at Treales CE School, near Kirkham on the Fylde, have 'adopted' a colony of tree sparrows near their school. Headteacher Mrs Mary Hewitt said: 'The children have taken the responsibility of caring for the tree sparrows very seriously and the scheme has become part of a project on developing the school grounds and environment.'
'The children have taken the responsibility of caring for the tree sparrows very seriously'The school backs onto land at Cross Hill Farm where nest boxes will be sited. Farmer Brian Robinson said: 'As a farmer, I think it is good to be doing conservation work and the ability to link with the local school appealed because it is important to have an area for children to learn about local wildlife.'
Carol Coupe, RSPB Farmland Birds Officer said: 'We have had a fantastic response from people keen to get involved with this project and to work alongside the RSPB, helping to reverse the decline in our farmland birds, such as tree sparrows. Without the continuing support of all those involved, projects like this would not be possible.'
Farmers around Burscough and Pilling in Lancashire, and local bird groups such as Fylde Bird Club and South East Cheshire Ornithological Society are already working independently to help tree sparrows and have been doing for sometime.
The RSPB's Operation Tree Sparrow project recognises the work already taking place and is looking to enhance and support that work by extending the project into new hot spot areas.
Tree sparrows are generally found on arable or mixed lowland farmland. The adults feed on seeds and feed their young with small insects. Tree sparrows seek out areas where both sources of food are readily available. This can include rough grassy areas, winter stubbles, weeds in crop margins and damp areas.
Traditionally, tree sparrows nest in holes in trees and farm buildings. They are sociable birds and generally nest in colonies. Operation Tree Sparrow will provide small groups of nest boxes and establish winter feeding stations - with the hope of sustaining and increasing populations in the coming years.
Source: RSPB Public Affairs
20 June 2005