SCOTTISH NATURAL Heritage (SNH), the body that manages the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, is inviting people to join reserve staff for Tree Sparrow Day.

The small birds are a species in decline, with 87% of the UK population lost between 1971 and 1996.

Since then, a gradual increase has been seen in some areas but the reasons for the decline in their numbers are poorly understood.

However, a lack of insects for nestlings and of nesting holes are possible reasons.

So, to increase the habitat for these birds, SNH has about 50 nest boxes scattered in various wooded areas around the reserve.

More boxes will increase the chances of tree sparrows successfully breeding in the coming season and reserve staff believe this work is vitally important for the survival of the species in the Loch Leven area.

Tree Sparrow Day will be divided into two parts, with the morning spent constructing nest boxes in the boathouse.

After lunch, volunteers will be out on the reserve to clean the remains of nesting materials out of old nest boxes.

This gives everyone the chance to see what sort of things a bird uses to build a nest, as well as possibly seeing the tree sparrows.

Volunteers can then put up their own handmade box in a suitable tree sparrow location.

Tree Sparrow Day will be held this Saturday from 9am. For more details call 01577 864439.