Communities come together to protect house birds

Launched earlier this year, the Homes for House Birds project has been bringing communities together across the Dales to help prevent House Martins, Sparrows, Starlings, and Swifts disappearing from our skies.

Image - House-sparrow-Ben-Andrew-(rspb-images.com)

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and led by YDMT, in partnership with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority
and the RSPB, the project is rooted in local action and is already building a network of community champions who are making a real difference.

So far, we’ve received 400 nest box requests, six workshops have been delivered to raise awareness of the project and get people involved, four woodland management plans have been devised, and seven Walk, Talk and Watch events have helped people connect with the birds in their area. At Hill Top Farm, Malham, the first habitat scheme is already underway.

Image - Starling adult male - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

This will create suitable long-lasting nests and enhanced feeding sites for house birds, so they can continue to thrive. The increase in wildlife is wonderful and we hope it continues to flourish for many years to come.

To help protect these four iconic bird species, here are some simple, but effective ways you can make your home bird-friendly:

• Avoid garden chemicals – pesticides kill insects that house martins, swifts, starlings, and sparrows rely on for food.
• Create insect habitats – add a pond, plant wildflowers, or let grass grow wild to boost invertebrate life.
• Choose natural surfaces – skip paving and artificial grass; bare soil and mud help birds build nests.
• Protect nest sites – know where birds are nesting and avoid building repairs between March and July.
• Add nest boxes – well-placed artificial nests can boost local bird numbers.

Visit www.ydmt.org/house-birds to find out more and get involved.