How much has the Tree Sparrow declined?
Nationally over 50% in many areas in the last 40 years, and this appears to be the case in the Claro area as well. Why is the Tree Sparrow declining? Intensive use of agricultural chemicals, loss of hedgerows and trees, and conversion of old farm buildings have all contributed. What can be done? Successful work is already going on in the Claro area to replace lost hedgerows and trees, provide winter stubble and wider field edges. This will return some of the feeding and nesting areas for birds such as Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Linnet, Lapwing, Grey Partridge and Skylark, all of which previously occurred in good numbers in the Harrogate area and across the UK. All have declined locally.. Nest box schemes and winter feeding in gardens have been shown to help Tree Sparrows considerably. Existing nest box schemes in the Ripon area are showing great success so we are aiming to create a network of over 300 nest boxes in various-sized colonies throughout the Claro area, ( roughly in a line
