Essex Wildlife Trust announces the results of the House Sparrow Project, a citizen science initiative that saw hundreds of people in Essex surveying their gardens for house sparrows in early spring.

House sparrow populations have declined by 69% in England since the 1970s and have been listed as a Red List species of conservation concern. The reasons for this are not fully understood, and factors such as food availability, habitat loss and reduced nesting sites are all thought to have an impact.

Thanks to keen citizen scientists in Essex, the House Sparrow Project has provided key insights into how we can support house sparrow populations at home.

Gardens that had ponds, bird feeders, less artificial grass and less decking/paving in favour of more natural habitat, had higher numbers of house sparrows. 

The study also investigated breeding sparrows, which were more likely to be observed at properties providing nest boxes. The Trust’s results showed that nest boxes with 31-35mm entrance holes are more effective, but only when multiple boxes are arranged together in clusters.

Following this study, Essex Wildlife Trust is promoting three easy actions for the public to support house sparrows in their gardens:

1. Bird feeders
2. Ponds
3. Nest box clusters (31-35mm entrance holes) of 3-4 boxes

Essex Wildlife Trust is urging those who are taking these actions to pledge to help house sparrows on a virtual map of the county. Last year’s campaign, which focused on helping pollinators, reached over 750 pledges and it is hoped that similar numbers will be reached for house sparrows this year. 

For guides on creating a house sparrow-friendly garden, and to pledge your support, visit our Nature Neighbours page:

Help house sparrows

Stuart Brooker, Senior Conservation Ecologist for Essex Wildlife Trust, says:

“Although the decline of the house sparrow is wide-ranging, and many of the causes may be outside of our control, we can still do these small but invaluable things to help prevent further decline within our own gardens and neighbourhoods. Each population that persists provides hope that the house sparrow may remain as one of the most familiar of our garden birds.” 

Gemma Cosson, Campaigns Officer for Essex Wildlife Trust, says:

“This project is a fantastic example of how important citizen science can be for conservation work. The results from the House Sparrow Project will help to inform wildlife-friendly garden actions for the public, and we look forward to seeing the people of Essex welcome house sparrows into their green spaces. If you are taking action for house sparrows, please let us know via our website and add your pin on our virtual map. It’s a great way to see how the county is coming together to support our local wildlife.”