Following on from last year's tree sparrow nest box programme, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the body which manages the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, is inviting people to join reserve staff for Tree Sparrow Day.

The tree sparrow is smaller than a house sparrow and more active. It has a chestnut brown head and neck (rather than grey), with white cheeks and collar and a black cheek-spot.

They are shy birds, unlike the house sparrows, and they tend to keep away from human dwellings. Tree sparrows are a species in decline. From 1971 to 1996 87% of the UK population was lost. Since then a gradual increase has been seen in some areas.

The catastrophic decline in their numbers is poorly understood, but availability of insects for nestlings and availability of nesting holes are possible reasons.

To increase the habitat for these birds SNH has about 50 nest boxes scattered in various wooded areas around the reserve.

More boxes will increase the chances of tree sparrows successfully breeding in the coming season, so this work is vitally important for the survival of this species in the Loch Leven area.

Tree Sparrow Day will be divided into two parts. The morning will be spent constructing nest boxes in the boathouse, where volunteers will learn how to construct the most appropriate nest box for different species.

After lunch volunteers will be out on the reserve cleaning the remains of nesting materials out of old nest boxes. This gives everyone the chance to see what sort of things a bird uses to build a nest, as well as possibly seeing the tree sparrows themselves.

Then volunteers can personally install their own handmade box in a suitable tree sparrow location.

Tree Sparrow Day will be held on Saturday 19th January from 9am and will be the first volunteers' activity of 2008. This day is open to all but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Please bring your own lunch. To book your place helping with conservation on the reserve, please contact reserve staff on 01577 864439 as soon as possible.

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