Written by: Jerry Scullion
2024
Under the guidance of local agencies and the National Trust, scrub was cleared from the sand dunes, making the area more visible and accessible for wildlife. Since the start of this initiative, there has been a noticeable increase in Sand Martin nesting. Although these birds are camera-shy, the area now buzzes with their activity.
The Sand Martin is a common summer visitor to the UK, arriving in March and departing in October. These birds nest in colonies, digging burrows in steep, sandy cliffs, often near water. Their tunnels can extend up to a metre in length, ending in a chamber where they lay four or five eggs on a bed of straw and feathers. Sand Martins are sociable birds, nesting together in the summer and gathering in large numbers to roost in autumn before migrating to Africa for the winter.
Sand Martins feed on small insects, mainly gnats and other flies, catching them in flight over water. This behaviour makes them natural pest controllers and essential contributors to local food webs. Therefore, conserving these birds is crucial for supporting the local ecosystem.
