When we think of species in need of protection, the house sparrow is probably not the first that comes to mind. And yet this little bird, which has been part of our lives for as long as we can remember, deserves our attention too.

That is the very purpose of a project led by two adapted-work enterprises in Namur: L’Atelier, which has been creating sustainable employment opportunities for people with disabilities since 1963, and Entranam, which employs more than 240 people. With the support of CAP48 and the City of Namur, they are working to give house sparrows a place in the city once again. The Pairi Daiza Foundation is delighted to contribute €25,000 to the initiative.

A neighbour growing quieter

There was a time when the chirping of sparrows was part of almost every day. In gardens, on squares, on street corners… They were such a familiar part of our surroundings that we barely stopped to notice them.

Gradually, however, they have become less common. The house sparrow is slowly disappearing from our cities, and with it, a small part of the everyday world around us is fading away.

30 nesting poles to welcome house sparrows

As part of the project, 30 nesting poles will be installed across the city, alongside new planting. These will provide house sparrows with places to nest and find food, helping them to continue living alongside us for years to come.

Nature and inclusion, working hand in hand

The nesting poles are being made and installed thanks to the skills and expertise of the teams at L’Atelier and Entranam. It is a wonderful way to bring together the protection of wildlife and social inclusion.

Our thanks go to L’Atelier, Entranam, CAP48 and the City of Namur for their collective commitment.

A quiet emergency

“Species conservation is often associated with rare or exotic animals. Yet the familiar house sparrow highlights a quieter emergency: the disappearance of common species, often without us even noticing. Supporting the house sparrow is a reminder that biodiversity is also shaped by what happens right on our doorstep.” — Catherine Vancsok, Scientific Director of the Pairi Daiza Foundation

Protecting nature is not just about preserving what is rare or far away. It is also about making sure that, tomorrow, house sparrows will still be singing in our streets and gardens.