While sparrow numbers in much of London are plummeting dramatically, Wandsworth sparrows are bucking the trend according to a sparrow survey by the London Biodiversity Partnership.

Wandsworth Common Bird Recorder, Peter White says house sparrows on the common are at least holding their own, if not increasing.

He said: "Wandsworth Common is definitely a success story for sparrows. We do not know why they are doing so well here, but Wandsworth is certainly a good borough for them."

In a bird report for Wandsworth Common, undertaken in April 2001, Mr White reported five separate colonies totalling about 60 birds. He said: "This year two of the colonies have gone, but it seems they have moved in to join the three main colonies."

The Nature Study Centre in Dorlcote Road supports the biggest colony with birds breeding in nearby buildings and feeding in the gardens.

Mr White, who is writing a book about the birds of Wandsworth Common, said there was also a colony of around 15 birds in Tunley Road and another colony in Boundaries Road.

Keith Noble, London Sparrows Officer, said Londoners were welcome to submit their records of sparrow sightings.

So far, only eight flocks of 30 or more birds have been reported via the web for the whole of London, a total of less than 3,900. Just a decade ago, flocks containing more than 1,000 birds could still be found in the metropolis. Records can be submitted online at www.rspb.org.uk or call 01273 775333.

July 17, 2002 11:30