The Sand Martin Bank is one of the best features of Saltholme in the early summer. Right outside the visitor centre, and in full view of the cafe, everyone can watch the wonderful display. In addition the Kingfisher is currently using it to watch for fish. However, an artificial bank like ours needs to be maintained and now is the perfect time. Behind the concrete wall there are several tonnes of sand in which the birds excavate their breeding tunnels. Sand is lost during the breeding and also parasites build up in nest chambers. Today we have been ramming down the disturbed sand to collapse the old breeding chambers and then filling up with new sand.
When the birds return from Africa in a few weeks' time they will find lovely fresh sand in which to build their nests.
In good winter sunshine Dean, Gwen and Brian replace the lost sand through the inspection hatches, while I take a break (and the photo).