Tree sparrow recovery project summary data, North West England, 2004-2010
Citation
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Tree sparrow recovery project summary data, North West England, 2004-2010. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/l1memj accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-12-13.Description
The project was set up as a result of a massive decline in tree sparrow numbers which had fallen by 95% between 1970-1995. The project's main objective was to provide a good supply of seed to help support wintering birds, and nestboxes for breeding. Data was collected on a farm by farm basis. Feeding station sightings and additional sightings were recorded, nest box monitoring was also undertaken.
This summary dataset consists of : 1. the maximum number of nestboxes used by tree sparrow per farm per year, 2. the maximum number of tree sparrow seen at any one time during the breeding season per farm per year, 3. the maximum number of tree sparrow seen at any one time during the winter per farm per year.
Where the maximum number of recorded birds or nestboxes was uncertain, the Count Type has been marked as Estimate. The grid references refer to the centroids of sites (exact site boundaries are not available), the average site size is about 66 Ha. Data collection was mainly done by volunteers and sites visits have not always been regular.
Purpose
The project was designed to halt the decline of tree sparrows in the north-west of England by supplying supplementary feeding, and nestboxes. Farmers were offered support and advice for entry into agri-environment schemes and further habitat management practices that could be put in place to support existing populations of tree sparrows.
Sampling Description
Quality Control
This isn't a full survey, these data only give an indication of the Tree Sparrow population. Standard monitoring methods have not always been followed through due to lack of time/personnel and some visits weren't made. These data have been gathered by trained field workers. The data have been mapped and checked for sensitivities and geographical errors.Method steps
- Targeting farms in hotspot areas feeding stations and nest boxes were installed. Feeding stations were monitored monthly throughout the year, nest boxes were monitored monthly during the breeding season, and all additional sightings within the survey area were recorded. Some nest boxes were checked after the breeding season to establish if they have been used by tree sparrow and to check box condition. The nest boxes that were found to be used by tree sparrow were recorded and included in the dataset.
Taxonomic Coverages
Geographic Coverages
Bibliographic Citations
Contacts
originatorRoyal Society for the Protection of Birds
metadata author
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
distributor
NBN Atlas
27 Old Gloucester St, Holborn
London
WC1N 3AX
London
GB
email: admin@nbnatlas.org
Conservation Data Management Unit
administrative point of contact
email: dataunit@rspb.org.uk