Rodley Nature Reserve – Construction of a Sand Martin Nesting Bank

The construction of an artificial Sand Martin nest bank which will comprise of an underwater foundation of stone filled gabions onto which a concrete base will be layed at water level. At approximately 1m above water level three layers of soft sand will be laid with a thin layer of concrete separating each sand layer and finally a concrete cap will be layed at the top. The back and sides will be supported by concrete blocks built off the concrete base with the natural fall to the water being supported by timber reducing logs driven into the banking. The whole structure will be approximately 10m in length, 2m high and 1.5m deep. Topsoil will be mounded on top and sides to facilitate the spread of natural vegetation.