Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Hampshire project to offer hundreds more artificial nests for house martins
A project in northern and eastern Hampshire will offer hundreds more artificial nests for house martins.
In its pilot, it installed 249 nest cups on buildings near known nesting sites, and house martins used 27 of them this summer, more than the team expected.
House martins are a threatened bird, and the project aims to help their recovery by providing safe, ready-made places to nest.
The cups are free for eligible homeowners, schools and businesses.
Properties must be within 1km of a previously recorded house martin nest and have suitable eaves at second-storey level, four to seven metres above the ground.
Applications can be made through the Hampshire House Martins Project website.
A Hampshire project is set to offer hundreds more artificial nests for house martins after its pilot exceeded expectations.
During the pilot, 249 artificial nest cups were installed near known nesting sites in northern and eastern Hampshire.
House martins used 27 of the cups this summer.
The cups are provided and installed free for eligible properties.
- Who
- The Hampshire House Martins Project, involving the Hampshire Ornithological Society, is offering the nest cups.
- What
- The project is expanding its artificial nest scheme. Hundreds more nests will be offered.
- When
- The expansion was reported on 10 November 2026.
- Where
- Northern and eastern Hampshire.
- Why
- The project aims to support the recovery of the threatened house martin.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The project installed 249 artificial nest cups on buildings near known nesting sites in northern and eastern Hampshire.
House martins used 27 of the artificial nest cups.
The project is set to offer hundreds more nests.
- Pilot nest cups
- 249
- Nest cups used
- 27 this summer
- Project area
- Northern and eastern Hampshire
- Eligibility distance
- Within 1km (0.6 miles) of a previously recorded house martin nest
- Installation
- Free for eligible properties
What people are saying
The response to the first pilot stage of this project showed how strongly people across Hampshire want to help house martins.
This next phase turns what we have learnt into action by offering hundreds more safe, ready-made nests.
It gives homeowners, schools and businesses a simple, practical way to support the recovery of this threatened bird.