In the not so distant past Tree Sparrows were a common sight on lowland farmland throughout much of the United Kingdom but their population has declined by a staggering 87% in the last 25 years. Tree Sparrows are typically found on farmland, breeding in holes in trees, dense bushes or holes in farmland buildings but readily take to nestboxes. In the winter Tree Sparrows form flocks and forage in situations such as stubble fields and farmyards. In the wider countryside changes in farming practices, particularly the switch from autumn to spring sown grain crops and a reduction in winter stubble fields may have been a major influence on the fortune of the species.

A recent review of the population status of birds in the United Kingdom by national conservation bodies placed Tree Sparrow on the Red List, being of high conservation concern, alongside Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and Corn Bunting.

Since November 2002 the Fylde Bird Club assisted by Green Partnership Awards has funded and maintained a feeding station between Staining and Singleton near Todderstaffe Hall.

From Singleton village take the B5266 southeast towards Hardhorn for just over one mile and pass underneath the railway bridge. After a further c180 yards the B5266 turns sharply to the right but here should turn left along a narrow road towards Todderstaffe Hall. After c500 yards there is an area of rough ground leading to the railway and it is here where the feeding station is situated by the hedge at grid reference SD368368. Since November we have been putting seed out on a daily basis and have attracted up to 60 birds at one time comprised of 13 species. The target species here is Tree Sparrow and despite there being no records at this site for over two years prior to supplementary feeding within two weeks of starting a single Tree Sparrow appeared. From here numbers gradually built to up to 24. For the summer of 2003 the Fylde Bird Club erected 13 nestboxes in a nearby wood in which Tree Sparrows bred. Following the breeding season in August 2003 at least 40 Tree Sparrows were visiting the feeding station.

On 28th November 2004 Paul Ellis noted three colour-ringed Tree Sparrows at the Todderstaffe Hall feeding station. All three had been ringed by Bob Danson as chicks in his nestboxes Over Wyre during summer 2004. Please report all sightings of colour-ringed Tree Sparrows to Bob Danson.