LONDON’S famous sparrow population is in greater decline than its economy, according to a new report which blames decking and paved drives for the avian atrocity.
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While the human world of banks, housing and a rubbish dancer grab the headlines, the humble ‘Cockney’ sparrow has endured a recession lasting a couple of decades, caused by people’s changing taste in garden design.
“The trend towards paving of front gardens and laying decking in the back, and the popularity of ornamental plants from other parts of the world, has made many gardens no-go areas for once common British birds,” said Dr Will Peach of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Central London is already an almost sparrow-free zone and the RSPB are now warning that sparrows could vacate the rest of the capital completely. Even in the parks where plenty of other bird species thrive, you’ll find it hard to spot one.
New research from the RSPB and De Montfort University suggests the reason for the huge decline – sparrow numbers have fallen by over 60 per cent in the last 15 years – is that sparrow cuisine is based on insects, which are harder to come by in the new-style gardens.
“Sparrows need insects in summer – and lots of them – to feed their hungry young,” said Peach.
Until the end of this month, the RSPB are running a weekend Cockney House Sparrow event on the south bank where you can catch up with some of London’s most treasured feathered friends.
More details here
