Wildlife

House Martin Conservation and Welfare

House martins are declining across Europe due to reduced insect availability, loss of mud for nests, and climate change affecting migration timing.

Key Facts

House martins build mud nests under eaves and return annually
UK populations declined by 27% between 1995 and 2019
They feed entirely on flying insects at altitude
Climate change disrupts emergence timing of insect prey
House martins winter in sub-Saharan Africa

Welfare Considerations

House martin chicks can starve if cold, wet weather reduces insect availability during critical growth periods. Nest destruction by householders removes breeding sites that families have used for generations. Artificial mud supply can help where natural mud is scarce. Migration is energetically costly and birds weakened by food shortage face higher mortality.

What You Can Do

Preserve existing house martin nests - they are legally protected
Install artificial house martin nest cups under eaves
Provide a muddy area or shallow mud source in late spring
Avoid using insecticides that reduce flying insect prey
Join house martin monitoring schemes through RSPB or BTO