THE Herefordshire Nature Trust's Herefordshire House Sparrow Survey is about to start-up again.

All of the 132 volunteer observers taking part previously will receive a new count form and a short report summarising results so far.

For anyone else interested, the survey requires numbers of house sparrows at or around bird food to be counted from September through to the end of March and peak weekly counts to be entered on a form.

The fortunes of the house sparrow, often overlooked, can act as an indicator of environmental change. The UK population is now estimated at between six and seven million, down from 12 million pairs in the early 1970s. The bird is now 'red listed' as a bird of high conservation concern.

Populations are thought to be more stable in the north of England, Scotland and Wales, with the steepest declines in east and south-east England.

But what is the picture in Herefordshire?

All offers of help will be welcomed and a 'sparrowpack' with detailed information, identification and survey tips, together with a count form and freepost return envelope can be sent out to new observers.

Write to Ross Andrew, Herefordshire Nature Trust, Lower House Farm, Ledbury Road, Tupsley, Hereford, HR1 1UT or telephone him on 01432 356872 if you would like to help.