Cockney Sparrow

A short documentary has been launched, showcasing the successes of London's Cockney Sparrow project, with an aim to inspire many more such initiatives across the capital. The film, made by Teilo Vellacott, demonstrates the ways in which social landlords and organisations like London Wildlife Trust can work together to engage residents to improve their neighbourhoods for wildlife.

Cockney Sparrow aimed to put the sparrow and other birds back into the heart of London by engaging residents of Peabody's estates in the nature of their neighbourhood. The project, launched in 2009 by Peabody in partnership with London Wildlife Trust, also acted as an important catalyst for community well-being.

Based on eight Peabody estates across London, Cockney Sparrow has enabled residents to enjoy and learn about London's wildlife through a range of wildlife activities, both practical and interactive. It has sought to improve housing estate landscapes to benefit sparrows and other wildlife, and in doing so, helped overcome barriers between cultures and generations as people have connected through the project. Families have started to lead more active lifestyles, and to explore and benefit from London's green spaces. Participants as young as two and as old as 96 have learned new skills and made new friendships.

One of the project's key species was the House sparrow (Passer domesticus), also known as the traditional Cockney Sparrow of London. House Sparrows, along with several other well-loved and iconic urban birds and animals, have declined rapidly in just a few decades – after centuries of happily living alongside Londoners.

Cockney Sparrow activities included:

ID 'crash courses' and on-estate birding
planting hedgerow species such as hawthorn and blackthorn to create the ideal, bustle-friendly bird habitat
planting grasses and flowers to attract the protein-rich aphids, caterpillars and weevils that nestlings love to feed on
community workshops to make nest and roosting boxes for a host of species including bats, swifts, house martins and sparrows visits to wildlife reserves and green spaces in London
training to record birds and wildlife on estates

Many estates were involved in the project, with several 'core estates' across the capital. In addition, the project involved many other members of the local community - including schools, youth clubs, faith groups, elderly people's organisations and much more.

Stephen Howlett, Peabody Chief Executive, said:
"We're tremendously proud of the Cockney Sparrow project. We have seen it re-energise communities and inspire individuals of all ages as they have learned more about the wildlife we share London with. Our hope is that Cockney Sparrow will inspire similar projects to take flight across the country."

Those that were involved in the project started to see where they live differently. They invest in the outdoor environment and become more connected to their community. The project worked with estate tenants and residents, on-site Peabody staff, local schools, community groups, nurseries, older people's groups, youth clubs and faith groups.

Mathew Frith, Deputy CEO of London Wildlife Trust says
"The Cockney sparrow is an iconic species of London, and we have been pleased to work with another London partner – Peabody - to help bring it back, especially through engaging people with the nature on their doorstep. The enthusiasm of residents has been inspirational, and we look forward to continuing this work with Peabody and other social landlords in the future."

Many estates were involved in the project, with several 'core estates' across the capital. In addition, the project involved many other members of the local community - including schools, youth clubs, faith groups, elderly people's organisations and much more.