Reserve hopes to attract Sand Martins with new nest bank

A new artificial Sand Martin bank at Washington WWT has already begun to attract birds.

The structure was only built in October at the reserve in Durham. It has space for 100 pairs – and has already begun to entice returning martins.

The new bank is made up of cavity blocks and a series of holes which the martins can fly into. It also has a tunnel and nest chamber.

Sand Martin has never previously bred at Washington WWT in nearly 50 years of the site's existence, but it is hoped that the species will nest in 2024.

A Sand Martin at the new nest bank at Washington WWT (John Gowland).

Early spring migrants

Reserve manager John Gowland said: "Sand Martins are one of the first spring migrants to arrive on our reserve each breeding season. We're hopeful the introduction of the new artificial bank will see some success for the species and these early sightings are very encouraging.

"We have provided everything the sand martins need to nest successfully."

Earlier attempts at encouraging nesting saw centre staff reshape a section of the lake's bank to create a vertical wall. However, the soil was a mix of clay and rubble stone which was "too compacted" for the birds to dig into, Mr Gowland explained.