New nesting tower gives swifts and house martins a lifeline - Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
A specially designed nesting tower has been installed at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve to support struggling populations of swifts and house martins.
It marks Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s first nesting tower across its estate, and provides much-needed secure nesting sites for these red-listed bird species.
Swifts and house martins have experienced significant population declines in recent decades, due to habitat loss and a reduction in suitable nesting sites. The UK breeding population of swifts have declined by 66 percent between 1995 and 2022, while house martins have declined by 44 per cent.
Standing five metres tall, the tower features 23 swift boxes and 12 house martin cups, offering much-needed breeding opportunities. It incorporates ventilation to keep the nests cool during warmer months and is equipped with solar panels and speakers to play pre-recorded bird calls, attracting young birds searching for a nesting site to settle into.
“This is the first nest tower of its kind across the Trust’s entire estate,” said Jack Medley, Reserves Officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. “It marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to help swifts and house martins, two remarkable species facing serious challenges. The tower is part of our commitment to providing innovative solutions that help these birds thrive.”
Posted On: 29/04/2025
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