We are pleased to announce our very first residential haven sites who have recently received accreditation, and introduce you another of our existing haven sites.
Westgate Estate
Our first residential site to receive accreditation, is situated in Wareham, Dorset. The estate itself is relatively new having been built around 10 years ago and has a good house martin population. Engagement with the local community, including giving talks to residents, has led to artificial nest cups being installed on properties to further support and enhance the colony. Further funding has been raised this year within the community to support house martins, with the potential for more nest cups to be provided.
Building sites offer a vital resource for house martins – mud! And plenty of it, so it can be an ideal place for house martins to set up home, as long as there are suitable eave depths for protection from weather and predators, and suitable places or features to which house martins can build a nest.
Leven Street and Upleatham Street Colony
Our second residential site is based in Saltburn, North Yorkshire, where house martins have taken up home on 7 buildings within Leven Street and Upleatham Street, with further nests on 2 more building in adjoining roads.
Last year, there were 19 nests, with 18 being active within this colony.
The nests are all made of mud, but following building work on one of the properties, an artificial nest cup has been put up to replace a nest that had to be removed out of season, and 2 more artificial nests are being installed on a further property.
The community have been vital in protecting the house martins and their nests making sure when any building works have been present, the builders are aware of active nests and how important the birds are to the community. House martins are present elsewhere in the town in various locations, but are declining, and the community at Leven and Upleatham Street are working hard to encourage others to welcome house martins on their homes across the town.
National Trust Croome
Based in Worcester, Croome was built in the 18th century when owned by the Coventry family, under the 6th Earl of Coventry, it is now in lease to the National Trust, who welcome and enjoy the house martins nesting there:
Seeing house martins return to Croome is one of those unmistakable signs that spring has truly arrived. Their arrival brings a sudden flurry of movement to Croome Court, as they zip, swoop and twist through the air, almost too fast for the eye to follow.
As a destination for wildlife as well as people, Croome provides everything house martins need at this busy time of year. They can often be seen in constant motion around the court, darting low beneath the portico, skimming walls and arches, and looping back again in quick, agile bursts. After rainfall, their activity intensifies as they flit to and from puddles, gathering beakfuls of mud to shape and repair their nests under the cornices above.
These fast, frenetic flights bring an extra energy to Croome in spring. As you arrive at the court, take a moment to look up – you may spot house martins sweeping overhead. Keep an eye on our socials for more wildlife moments as the season unfolds @ntcroome on both Facebook and Instagram.
