Sand Martin Survey

Join the Wall Watchers – Help us keep track of Ouseburn’s Sand Martins!

The Lower Ouseburn Valley is home to Newcastle’s only urban Sand Martin colony! These small, agile birds have been here since at least 1952, though they haven’t been recorded every year. In 2023, they made themselves at home in the sandstone wall right beneath The Free Trade Inn – an iconic spot with a view to match.

To learn more about these birds – how many are here, whether they’re nesting successfully, and how they’re doing overall – we launched our very first Sand Martin survey in 2024. A brilliant group of local volunteers stepped up to help, and together they became the Wall Watchers – keeping an eye on the birds from spring through summer.

Now, we’re getting ready to do it all again – and we’d love for you to join us! Whether you’re a seasoned or aspiring Wall Watcher, these surveys are a great way learn about  these gorgeous birds and spend time outdoors in good company.

We’ll be running two survey sessions during Sand Martin Week, with regular check-ins through summer, right up until the Sand Martins head back to Africa in August.

No experience needed – just bring your curiosity (and maybe a camping chair and a pair of binoculars if you have them). We’ll show you what to look for and how to record what you see.

Come along, meet some lovely people, and help us keep tabs on one of Ouseburn’s most charming little residents!

Meet outside of The Cycle Hub