Stanford Sand Martins

Sand Martins are a species in decline in the UK. Every year they return to the UK to breed in vertical sandy banks. Near Stanford Reservoir, historic sites at golf courses and quarries have become impoverished, and as a result there is no evidence that they currently breed locally. This project would install two bespoke Sand Martin nesting cabinets at Stanford Reservoir in an underutilised area, together with a 10 metres squared area of gravel and sand enhanced soil. The cabinets measure 2.4m L, 1.4m H and 1.1m W. They will be surrounded by an area of at least 0.4 Ha in which willow will be controlled. Both areas will be seeded with spaced plugs of native invertebrate friendly flower species. The former area will safeguard the banks from rodent and mink attack, the latter will enhance local biodiversity, especially for butterflies.