House Martin towers across BCP
Last updated 19 December 2024
The Project
The UK House Martin population has declined by 75% since 1967. This is largely due to habitat loss, a reduction in insect populations (their food) and the lack of suitable nesting sites. This decline is happening particularly in the south of England and is not fully understood but as an urban bird, largely dependent on houses for nest building, a move towards UPVC soffits and fascia boards, lack of nesting building material (mud) and deliberate prevention of nesting (through shields and spikes) are likely to be factors.
These birds make the epic 3000-mile journey from Africa to England every year to breed and raise their chicks. They begin to arrive in the UK in March returning to Africa around October, as the UK insect population begins to dwindle.
Several House Martin towers are being installed across BCP to support these birds and maintain numbers of this declining population. This will provide protected and long-term nesting sites, close to existing House Martin colonies and alongside a source of nesting material.
Two towers have already been installed, one on Canford Heath and one in the Hoburne Estate, Christchurch. Two further towers were given planning approval during December 2024, one at Slades Farm, Bournemouth and another at Sherborn Crescent Open Space, Poole; these should hopefully be installed during 2025.
Canford Heath, Poole
Installed November 2024. This location was chosen, as birds fly to the heath from the nearby colony to collect the mud to build their nests. The heathland here is also a rich habitat, with many rare and special species. It supports a whole range of insects giving the House Martins the best chance to provide for their hungry chicks.
Installation of the Canford Heath tower
Installation of the Canford Heath tower
Installation complete
Installation complete
Hoburne Estate, Christchurch
Installed December 2024. As well as the tower, this project includes a pond which is designed in a way that allows House Martins to collect mud from the edges, which they then use to build their nests. The pond and wildflower meadows will support insects, which in turn will feed the birds and increase their chance of successful breeding.
Installation of the Hoburne tower
Installation of the Hoburne tower
Installation complete, within a watery wildlife site
Installation complete, within a watery wildlife site
Enjoying the view from a newly installed bench
Enjoying the view from a newly installed bench
We hope that House Martins (as well as Swifts, Starlings and House Sparrows) will use these towers, helping to secure the long-term future of these special birds.
House Martin image courtesy of Georg Wietschorke (Pixabay)
Project details
Budget approx. £5,000 per tower
Funding Various sources, tbc
Project Lead BCP Council Countryside teams with The Parks Foundation
T. 01202 123123
E. greenspaces@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
The Parks Foundation
An independent charity devoted to enhancing the BCP area’s parks and green spaces for everyone to enjoy
