House Martin Decline and Conservation in Britain

House martins have declined by 57% since 1970 and face threats from reduced insect availability, loss of nest sites and harsh conditions during African migration.

Key Facts

UK house martin population declined by 57% between 1970 and 2018
They build mud nests under the eaves of buildings requiring bare soil sources for nest construction
House martins feed exclusively on airborne insects, making insect decline a direct welfare threat
They winter in sub-Saharan Africa with wintering grounds poorly understood compared to summer range
Artificial nest cups under eaves provide alternative nest provision when natural sites are removed

Welfare Considerations

House martin welfare is directly linked to insect availability during the breeding season and adequate nest site provision. Chicks fed insufficient insects during development have compromised immune systems and survival probability. Loss of nest sites through building modernisation removes colonies established over generations. The combination of insect decline and nest site loss creates compounding welfare pressures for individual birds. Artificial nest cups are highly effective at compensating for lost natural sites, and reducing pesticide use near breeding colonies directly improves insect availability for chick feeding.

What You Can Do

Install artificial house martin nest cups under eaves in suitable locations
Maintain areas of bare moist soil near buildings for nest mud collection
Reduce pesticide use to support insect populations house martins depend on
Report house martin sightings and colony locations to support population monitoring