Thames Landscape Strategy - Hampton to Kew -

Martins Have Moved In!

On Eel Pie Island a Sand Martin Bank has been constructed. Volunteers worked tirelessly, shifting 30 tonnes of sand, concrete, and other materials, by hand, over Eel Pie bridge to the site. Lloyd Turner were appointed to guide the project, bringing expertise gained from their construction of a similar structure at the London Wetlands Centre. Now completed, the Bank has been rendered to appear as a natural sand bank, with draft-proofed housing for up to 80 sand martins as well as a number of bat roosts in the top.

Following the early success of 2009 and several sightings of the birds using the boxes we are anticipating the new arrivals this year.

With the 2010 season now fully upon us – and sightings of the sand martins in the area we must sit back and wait to see if they take up residence once again.

The webcam is up and running for 2010 so check back regularly for updates.

4 webcams have been fitted to the nest areas and exterior of the bank that will be projected here on the TLS website. The webcams are powered by a tidal-powered motor in the water.