Artificial River Bank Proposed to Safeguard Urban Sand Martin Colony

An artificial river bank, featuring 48 nesting holes, has been proposed by a wildlife organization as a potential solution to preserve a small urban sand martin colony. These migratory birds were initially observed nesting in a post-industrial sandstone wall located in Ouseburn, Newcastle, during 2023, and they returned in the current year to successfully raise their young. Wild Intrigue, the organization planning to establish this new nesting location, considers this to be the sole urban sand martin colony within the city. Heather Devey, a co-director, remarked that it was “not a species any of us predicted to just turn up”. She further stated, “That’s why they’re so precious.” She also explained that these birds typically seek out sandy riverbanks, which are naturally distant from the “heavily engineered edges” characteristic of the Ouseburn and River Tyne. Prior to the sand martins’ winter migration, a population assessment indicated the presence of a minimum of nine active nests within the wall situated beneath the Free Trade Inn. Ms Devey commented, “It’s really good going for being in this little urban wall.” Currently, Wild Intrigue aims to construct the artificial bank before the birds’ anticipated return from sub-Saharan Africa. Ms Devey elaborated, “The thing with sand martins is they can establish these huge colonies and the stronger the colonies they get, the more likely they are the remain in the area.” She continued, “So, if any of the chicks happen to come back, they’ve got somewhere to nest too and then the population can grow.” The proposed bank will incorporate rear access points, facilitating the attachment of rings to chicks for enhanced study of the colony and its migratory patterns. Additionally, a solar-powered sand martin call system will be installed to draw in additional birds. To finance the new habitat, Wild Intrigue has raised £6,000, a sum that will be matched by the Aviva Community Fund. The group is also offering opportunities to sponsor individual nesting holes. Ms Devey described the public’s support for the initiative as “incredible”. She confirmed, “It will be going ahead.” She added, “People are so excited by the fact they’ve got these sand martins here.” For updates, follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for content on external websites. Information regarding its external linking policy is available.