A flock of five-foot-tall house sparrows, will descend at the fountain of the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden today. The sparrow flock is launching the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' (RSPB's) 'Sparrowatch' survey.

Sparrowatch is a national survey of the nation's house sparrows organised by the RSPB, who are asking for the help of people living in Cambridgeshire to find out where the county's sparrows are. Anyone can take part in Sparrowatch any time between which runs for two weeks from tomorrow until Sunday 11 May.

Steve Rowland, Sparrowatch co-ordinator for Cambridgeshire, explained why the RSPB are asking people to take part in this survey.

"Sparrows are one of our most familiar and best-loved birds. By taking part in the RSPB's 'Sparrowatch' survey, you will be making a real contribution to our understanding of why these birds have disappeared from so many places."

Professor John Parker, Director of the Botanic Garden said:

"The sparrow population has declined significantly in the past 30 years, and it is important to understand why this is happening. We are pleased to work with the RSPB to launch this survey and hope it is a success."

The form to send in results is available until 8 June 2003 on the RSPB website:
www.rspb.org.uk/sparrowatch

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