On the 1st of April drilling began on the new peat cliffs. This is to encourage the (Common) Sand Martins Riparia riparia who breed colonially in vertical sandy or earth banks, near to water where they are often seen in numbers flying low hunting insects over lakes and rivers. The compacted peat was much harder than expected and it was arduous work drilling of approximately sixty holes, 70cm in length, and 5cm diameter. However, the 'back-breaking' work proved to be well worth while with immediate results, as Sand martins were already inspecting the new environment in the afternoon!
Reserves Manager at the Kingfishers Bridge wetland creation project in Cambridgeshire.