Families urged to take action if they see sparrows in garden

UK households are being urged to take action if they see sparrows in their gardens. House sparrows are one of the most commonly spotted birds in UK gardens and outdoor spaces, but the cheery little brown birds have seen a "drastic" decline, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

In its recent Big Garden Birdwatch, which asks members of the public to report the birds they see in their gardens over the years, breeding numbers of house sparrows have "drastically declined" since records began and the birds are on the UK Red List for "high conservation concern". Now, the charity is urging people to help these embattled birds by taking action in their garden. It's asking people to let a patch of their garden grow wild during the summer, in order to encourage the insects which these birds need to live on.

The RSPB says: "House Sparrows are one of the UK's most widespread birds. While they are often the most commonly spotted garden birds in Big Garden Birdwatch, unfortunately their breeding numbers have drastically declined since records began over the last 50 years.

"In 2002, House Sparrows were added to the UK Red List of birds of high conservation concern. Although there have been increases in some areas over the last decade, House Sparrows remain on the Red List."

It's now stepped in to ask gardeners to leave a patch of their lawn in order to help birds.

The RSPB added: "One way to help garden birds is by encouraging insects. Why not let a patch of your garden grow wild this spring and summer? You'll get a rest, and you'll reap the rewards come Big Garden Birdwatch 2026."

The RSPB adds that these birds could be saved if enough people take action.

It said: "The problems faced by birds are many and varied, which means we need to take action in all sorts of areas. From gardening for wildlife to the way we farm and manage our rivers, it all impacts on nature. That's why we work tirelessly to save, protect and fight for nature. And when we come together for nature, it works."