Wildlife

Wild House Martin Nest Site Welfare

House martin populations are declining partly due to loss of nest sites from building renovation - nest cup provision helps.

Key Facts

House martins build mud nests under eaves of buildings and bridges
UK populations have declined by over 50% since the 1960s
Loss of nest sites from soffit boarding and building renovation is a significant driver
Artificial nest cups installed under eaves are readily adopted and dramatically increase breeding density
They are aerial insectivores dependent on flying insects for food - insect decline also contributes
Nest site monitoring is challenging as colonies can move between years

Welfare Considerations

House martin welfare at breeding sites depends on nest site availability and proximity to invertebrate-rich foraging habitat. Building renovations that seal traditional nest sites without providing alternatives directly cause nest site loss. Planning permission requirements to provide replacement nest sites during renovation are supported by welfare organisations.

What You Can Do

Install house martin nest cups under the eaves of your house before the breeding season
Leave existing mud nests undisturbed outside the breeding season where possible
Support campaigns for planning requirements to replace nest sites during building renovation
Participate in RSPB House Martin Survey to contribute population monitoring data
Advocate for insect-friendly urban habitats to support aerial insectivore prey availability