Cornwall House Martin Project launches to protect declining birds

Every spring, they sweep in from Africa, swooping over rooftops and gardens across Cornwall before vanishing again come autumn. But the house martin, one of Britain’s most familiar summer visitors, is in trouble. And a new effort is asking Cornwall to step in before it’s too late.

Cornwall Birds has launched the Cornwall House Martin Project, a county-wide conservation effort to protect and restore house martin populations across Cornwall. The project brings together local communities, conservation groups, schools, and volunteers, with the aim of reversing the decline of one of the UK’s most recognisable migratory birds.

A bird in decline

House martins, known for their distinctive mud nests and graceful aerial displays, have seen significant population declines in recent decades. The causes include habitat loss, changing weather patterns, and reduced nesting opportunities. The project intends to tackle these challenges through public engagement, research, habitat improvement, and practical conservation action.

“Our goal is to inspire communities across Cornwall to take simple but meaningful steps that support House Martins and other declining species,” said Bruce Taggart, chair of Cornwall Birds and administrator of the project. “By working together, we can help ensure these remarkable birds continue to return to Cornwall every spring for generations to come.”

What the project will do

The project will focus on several areas of action:

• Monitoring and recording local house martin populations
• Encouraging the protection of existing nests and nesting sites
• Installing artificial nest cups in suitable locations
• Supporting schools and community groups with educational resources and citizen science activities
• Raising awareness about the importance of migratory birds and biodiversity

Residents are being encouraged to get involved by reporting nest sightings, hosting nest cups, volunteering for surveys, and sharing observations with the project team.

A model for grassroots action

The project reflects growing concern about the decline of aerial insectivores across the UK, and highlights the role local communities can play in conservation. Organisers hope it will become a model for collaborative, grassroots wildlife action.

“House martins are an important part of Cornwall’s natural heritage,” Bruce added. “Their arrival each spring is a reminder of the changing seasons and the interconnectedness of ecosystems across continents. Protecting them is something everyone can contribute to.”

The Cornwall House Martin Project welcomes support from individuals, schools, businesses, parish councils, and conservation organisations interested in helping it expand.

To find out more, volunteer, or report sightings, visit the Cornwall House Martin Project survey page or contact Bruce Taggart by email at [email protected] or phone on 07704 550818.

About the Cornwall House Martin Project

The Cornwall House Martin Project is a community-led conservation effort focused on protecting and restoring house martin populations across Cornwall through research, education, habitat improvement, and public participation. The project works with residents, volunteers, schools, and partner organisations to support biodiversity and raise awareness of migratory bird conservation.

📷House Martin - Photo by John Miller