A Sand Martin's Home Is Its Sand Castle?

Sand martins migrate to the UK from sub-Saharan Africa, in order to feed and breed. The species has, however, suffered from a loss of inland nesting sites (colonies typically occupy sandy river banks) in the UK. People working at Spynes Mere Nature Reserve in Surrey, are hoping to encourage Sand martins to breed again on site (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/27/giant-sandcastle-sand-martins-surrey-nature-reserve). The Nature Reserve is employing professional sand sculptors to make a 400 tonne sand 'castle'. Sand martins visit Spynes Mere every year but have failed to nest there for 25 years. It is hoped that the installation will have exactly the right characteristics, to encourage these tiny, insectivorous birds to take up residence and find a mate.