In an exciting new development we have been awarded a grant from The Nineveh Charitable Trust to further support the colony of House Martins at Westgate Estate (opposite Purbeck School) in Wareham, which has the largest colony of House Martins in the area.
This new project will run until summer 2027 and will aim to grow and widen support for the colony by sharing unique film from inside a nest cup as the birds pair up, lay eggs and raise their chicks; run events to celebrate the return of the birds every year from Africa; install further artificial nest cups plus create other natural features they rely on; and facilitate the involvement of the whole community in welcoming and protecting these birds.
As a first step we were officially awarded, in March 2026, House Martin Haven status by the House Martin Conservation UK & Ireland charity in recognition of the support provided by the residents for the colony, and are one of the first Havens in the country to be registered.
We are working with the estate’s residents to install more artificial nest cups; create wet mud areas for birds who want to adapt, repair or build natural nests; and spread the word that these small migratory birds desperately need our help to halt the devastating decline they have faced in recent years.
