2023 Sand Martin Project
We are extremely grateful to Konnor Greenhow, of Greenhow Scaffolding and a couple of his fellow workers to give up their time and the necessary equipment for this project.
Additionally a big thank you to Lincs Wildlife Trust for the loan of the waders, they were water proof but not heated.
The nesting structure was created by our volunteer Augy, based on a design shared by the Nene Park Trust, giving great thought to on site assembly and future access to the boxes (for the annual cleaning).
and very importantly, the measurements for the scaffolding structure, and the support beams. It all fitted together wonderfully, thank you Augy for your time.
Our volunteers assisted in transporting all the required equipment down to the lake edge, which was at the far end of the reserve.
Following several days of very hard Frosts the day had arrived to install the staging, the first task was to break the ice which was about 2 to 3 inches thick.
Armed with a pick axe and a crowbar Augy was able to create a passage through the ice ready to begin.
So now the hard work can start, you can go in the water as you have the waders.
Down a bit! was one of the instructions given out, thankfully that was by Konnors dad.
The first couple of poles are in, the waders dont leak!
Having faith in your fellow workers is essential when additional poles and clamps are launched at you from the bank. There are now 3 corners fixed.
Hurry up I'm waiting and its cold out here.
What do you mean? that bits wrong.
This bit goes there for the support.
So this bit must go here.
Would you like a hand? Oh yes please was the reply.
To you to me to you to me........
All done for the day. Thanks everyone your time,energy and effort is really appreciated.
Another day and another stage of the overall project, putting some posts in for walkway support.
Walkway support completed and Sand Martin box located on supports. Now we place the small tubes for access to the actual Box area.
Securing the rear panel and all next boxes numbered for recording usage at the end of the year.
Nearly completed, looking good.
The final backboard fixed in place, walk boards removed we just need the Sand Martins to arrive from Africa where they winter.
The following pictures were taken from various sites around the reserve and some are drone photos.
This is what the Sand Martins will see and aim for when they select nesting areas.
View from across the Lake
Aerial view from the top end of the reserve.
A closer look at the scaffolding support.
Aerial view from the top ridge pathway.
All we need now are a few pictures showing the Sand Martins have arrived and are using this excellent piece of work.