Sence Corridor Tree Sparrow Project - Feed and Feeders
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Hi, my name is Gavin Gamble. I am a naturalist, conservationist and wildlife campaigner from Leicestershire currently working on the Sence Corridor Tree Sparrow Project https://sctsp.wordpress.com/
Very much a bird of farmland edge, like the vast majority of farmland birds the UK Tree Sparrow population declined dramatically in the 1980s – a decline of 93% since 1973 – and has been on the UK Red List since 1996. In addition to the massive decline in overall numbers, range contraction and local extinctions have taken place across Great Britain. The demise of the Tree Sparrow is coincident with the decline of other farmland seed-eaters which feed their young on insects. The general specialisation of farming, with more intensive use of herbicides and pesticides, along with autumn-sown cereals have probably been major contributory factors.
In Leicestershire and Rutland the picture is no different. According to the Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological Society records came from only 13 sites in 2021 and as of August 2024 we have only one record this calender year.
The aim of the Sence Corridor Tree Sparrow Project is to target specific areas within the Sense Corridor in conjunction with landowners with simple but effective conservation measures in order to increase the breeding population of Tree Sparrows in Leicestershire.
The provision of supplementary feeding and nest boxes has proven to be highly effective in the conservation of Tree Sparrows. Tube feeders with a mix of white and red millet are to be located within the target areas whilst nest boxes will be provided in suitable nesting habitat. Nest boxes require 28mm entrance holes and should be sited 2 metres above ground facing north-east to provide maximum opportunity for occupancy. Tree Sparrows are loose ‘communal nesters’ meaning nest boxes should be sited in clusters and groups to provide enough nesting provision for colonies.
Recent examples of this method which have shown to produce very positive results can be seen below (just a few examples amongst many):
https://community.rspb.org.uk/placestovisit/blacktoftsands/b/blacktoftsands-blog/posts/guest-blog-tree-sparrow-conservation-at-blacktoft-a-continued-success.
We have recently secured our third and most important site yet ( read all about it here: https://sctsp.wordpress.com/2024/08/14/new-partnership-secures-flagship-site-for-tree-sparrows/ ) and we need some help to raise money to provide specialist squirrel proof tube feeders, feeder poles and feed to get this site up and running. We would very much appreciate any donations you can make! We are looking to raise £300 which will fund 2 feeding stations and Feed through to the end of April 2024. Money raised will go directly to this phase of the project!
Thank you for supporting us!
Organizer
Gavin Gamble
Organizer