Biodiversity Northern Ireland

Lough Neagh Tree Sparrow Project

The Lough Neagh Wetlands is one of the most important strongholds for tree sparrow Passer montanus in Ireland. The populations of tree sparrows across the UK have undergone a very large decline, but in Northern Ireland they are still found in responsibly good numbers around Lough Neagh. The tree sparrow, a relative of the house sparrow relies on wet grassland fringes of the lough for a supply of large insects to feed its chicks in the summer. It nests in holes in mature trees and old buildings. In winter it switches to a diet of seeds, searching out seed-rich grassland and cereal stubbles.

A project has been set up to see if tree sparrow populations can be expanded outwards from Lough Neagh, by providing nest boxes and seed food on farms radiating out from the Lough, in areas close to and further away from rivers. The theory being that rivers will provide the insects for feeding chicks in summer, whilst providing nest boxes will give the sparrows all they need to expand their range.

 St Mary’s Primary School, Derrytrasna were involved in the project by helping to put up nest boxes in the grounds of the school in order to attract the sparrows to breed. Hugh Thompson, Conservation Projects and Activities Officer oversaw the project and worked with the children to show them the importance of feeding the birds and providing nest sites for them.