Residents, schools and local businesses across Hampshire are being invited to apply for free artificial nests as part of a major effort to help threatened house martins.
Hampshire Ornithological Society plans to install up to 900 artificial nest ‘cups’ across the county before the birds return from Africa in April and May 2027 and is calling on local nature lovers to put their names forward.
It comes as local house martin populations are really struggling.
Over the past two decades, the UK‘s house martin population fell by 40%, partly due to poor breeding success. The birds build distinctive cup-shaped nests beneath the roofs of houses and other buildings, carrying around 1,000 pellets of soft mud to complete each one. Even in good conditions, this can take more than a week, but during prolonged dry weather, as seen in the South Downs this summer, supplies of mud literally dry up.
The artificial nest cups look like natural nests but are made from woodcrete which is much stronger and more durable than mud.
The scheme is being supported by the South Downs National Park Trust, the official charity for the National Park, through its Sustainable Communities Fund, along with a range of partners from the environment and water sectors.
Image shows artificial nest cups being fitted to a house – credit Steve Laycock.
Nigel Matthews, volunteer coordinator for the Hampshire House Martin Project, said:
“Our pilot last year showed that house martins will readily use artificial nest cups when they are installed in suitable locations close to existing colonies.
“We are now looking for householders and other property owners across the county who would be willing to give these remarkable birds a safe place to raise their young. The artificial nests will be provided and fitted free of charge so demand is likely to be high. Anyone interested should visit our website, check the eligibility criteria and complete the online application form.”
To request an artificial nest cup visit www.hampshirehousemartins.org.uk
Click here to find out more about the Sustainable Communities Fund.