Signs of a house sparrow comeback in the UK after decades of decline

A2206 words1:40News Report British AccentPublished Aug 12, 2026 · Updated Aug 12, 2026

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#1

The house sparrow was once very common in the UK.

#2

These small brown birds lived in gardens, fields, and parks.

#3

People could see them everywhere.

#4

But over the past few decades, about 30 million house sparrows disappeared.

#5

The population decline was very bad in London.

#6

In 1925, a bird expert counted more than 2,600 sparrows in one London park.

#7

But years later, he could find only eight birds there.

#8

The species almost vanished from the city.

#9

There were several reasons for this problem.

#10

The birds lost their homes and could not find enough food.

#11

Air pollution and disease also hurt them.

#12

But now there are signs of species recovery.

#13

New surveys show that house sparrow numbers are becoming more stable.

#14

Bird watchers in some areas can see more small flocks again.

#15

They can hear the sparrows' familiar chirping sound.

#16

This is good news for UK nature and wildlife conservation.

#17

But experts say there is still a lot of work to do.

#18

Farmers will need to change how they use the land.

#19

They will need to make the countryside better for birds.

#20

The house sparrow has lived near people for a very long time.

#21

Many people hope this little bird will survive and grow in number again.