A NESTING flock of birds halted the development of houses that are being built on a new housing estate.

Eight pairs of sand martins were discovered nesting by James Swann, the site manager on the Salter’s Brook estate at Cudworth.

The area where the birds were found had previously been dug out in preparation for pipework which was scheduled to start, but had to be postponed due to the birds’ presence.

A landscape manager from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust visited the site to help safeguard the birds by installing fencing and signage.

Gary Oliver, who is the principal ecologist from SLR Consulting, also visited the site to monitor the situation to help Barratt Homes ensure the birds were able to nest undisturbed until all of the chicks had fully fledged.

Gary said: “This is an unusual site for the birds to move into as sand martins are usually found nesting in vertical sandy cliffs often above water. However, they seem to have made a comfortable home for themselves at Salter’s Brook and we’re pleased a new generation of birds has now fledged.”

James Swann, who is the site manager, said: “We were surprised and delighted when we discovered some early residents had moved in. As part of our ongoing partnership with RSPB, we are always looking for ways to encourage the local wildlife on our developments, so to find sand martins nesting was an unexpected pleasure.

“We stopped working in that area immediately and with the help of our local wildlife experts, Pete and Gary, we’re thrilled the nesting pairs have all now fledged their chicks.”

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