These House Martin nests closely resemble the mud nests that the species normally builds under the eaves of houses and other properties. Not only will House Martins (which are a semi-colonial species) use the artificial nests, but the presence of one or two of them will encourage natural nest building close by or even built against the artificial nest.
With House Martin numbers in serious decline, providing artificial nests for them and not removing natural nests is a great way to help their breeding success.
Delivery
Orders received by 3pm Monday to Friday will be dispatched via DHL on a no signature delivery service; simply advise us where to leave your bags. We don't deliver on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays.
Some orders less than 1kg in weight will come by Royal Mail.
Orders for Live Mealworms are sent directly from our supplier via Royal Mail. They are dispatched the same day if orders are received by 12pm Mon-Thurs; no orders are dispatched on a Friday. Please allow four working days for orders to arrive.
If you have not received your order within seven working days please contact us on 01775 630208.
We now deliver to all of mainland UK with no extra delivery charge. Please note that some postcode areas that are classed as Scottish Islands and Highlands may take 2-3 working days to arrive. For deliveries outside of these areas a £10 charge will be applied. Postcode areas affected include HS, IV41 – IV49, IV51, IV55 and IV56, KA27 and KA28, KW15 to KW17, PA20, PA41 to PA49, PA60 to PA78, PH42 to PH44, ZE, Isle of Man
We are unable to deliver to the Republic of Ireland or the Channel Islands.
Product Reviews
Kate Smith
100%
Great product, fast delivery
15/05/2024
Andrew Dilworth
100%
Very fast delivery. All materials look to be of high quality. I like the screw attachment to enable fast removal. Here's hoping for some spring residents!
06/04/2023
Anonymous
100%
Swallows have just arrived so house martins should follow soon. Fingers crossed they take up residence. Solidly constructed and natural looking.
07/04/2021
Anonymous
100%
Looks realistic enough to me, the proof will be later in year when the martins return!
House Martin numbers have been in serious decline for many decades, with the breeding population of this summer migrant dropping by 57% between 1969 and 2018. This decline is partly due to the huge reduction in flying insects - the species’ primary food source - but also by some homeowners removing nests and discouraging the birds from building new ones. Note that it is illegal to remove active nests of breeding House Martins, and also illegal to prevent adults entering the nests when eggs and young birds are in them.
Providing at least one House Martin nest box will encourage this gregarious species of bird to nest, as not only may the artificial nest be taken, but its presence will encourage the building of natural nests next to it or close by.
The positioning of an artificial House Martin nest like this should be under the eves of a house or other building, and ideally east or north facing - though this isn’t critical as the eves will provide at least some shade to the nest in strong midday sun.
What makes this nest more suited to House martins than other birds?
It’s specifically designed for them, and it’s very unlikely any other species of bird would use it.
What time of year can I expect to find House martins or other birds nesting in this product?
House martins return to the UK from Africa during April, though unlike most summer visitors to our shores they do not necessarily start breeding immediately. So it could be a month or more before a nest is in use, though despite this often late start many House martins still manage to raise two broods.
Where is the best place to position the House Martin Nest Box?
Site the House Martin Nest right underneath the eaves of your house or out-building, as this will be the same place as the species would build a natural nest.
Do artificial house martin nests work?
Yes artificial House Martin nests do work, with the nest often taken by the species and may encourage the building of natural nests next to it or close by.
Do house martins return to the same nest?
Not necessarily exactly the same nest, but certainly House Martins will return to the same nesting site.