The Lincolnshire Bird Club

This is the artificial Sand Martin "bank" built by the Mid-Lincs RG at Donington on Bain with financial assistance from the landowners, the Wallis family.

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Andrew Chick
Website: http://www.forktail.co.uk/

A quick update from the project co-ordination Andy Chappell. All but one of the 36 holes have been occupied and 113 nestlings have been ringed with three first broods still to go - already second clutches have been laid. Some of the nestlings had several ticks on them but all have survived to date.

That's an impressive initiative!

What other sites in the county might be suitable for similar ventures subject to landowner permission?

What was the breakdown of costs at Donington-on-Bain?

Can't answer that, Jim. The building materials were either surplus to requirements or donated by Andy and the landowners. Andy did the breeze block work and all the labouring was done by Group members.

Thanks for that clarification, Stuart.

Is there any info on the specifications - e.g. the size of the individual nest spaces and the material(s) from which the facade was constructed?

How many of the birds have been ringed?

Perhaps there could be an article in the next edition of the LBR.

The precise location would probably need to remain confidential, but it is the sort of wildlife success story that might interest the media - local press and radio plus regional TV - especially as sand martins are such cute little birds which travel long distances.

Would that be appropriate? Would Andy and the ringing group/ LBC be supportive of a PR initiative?

(One other thought - anything in the pipeline for bee-eaters?!)

Thanks, Jim - I will send you a private message.