Whilst construction works across the Estate are underway, the team is working closely with Environmental Consultants, Gavia and Tay Ecology, to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect the varied fauna on site, including the enhancement of both bat and bird populations.

Sites have been thoroughly surveyed to check for nesting birds and are regularly monitored for any changes in activity. Work is ceased if any nests are spotted and does not resume until the nesting period is complete.

We welcomed the return of the Sand Martins to Newhall in May, where piled sand has made the perfect home for these migratory members of the swallow and martin family. Sand works have ceased until the breeding season ends in Autumn, to enable the distinctive brown-greyish-coloured Sand Martins to flourish. These birds undertake migratory journeys of several thousand kilometres each year and are believed to winter in the Sahel, a region south of the Sahara.

In preparation for their return next year, we are working with a UK supplier of artificial Sand Martin Nesting Banks so that these wonderful birds can continue to flourish on the Estate.

As part of a wider project, the following are being installed:

• Barn Owl Boxes
• Tawny Owl Boxes
• Bat boxes including hibernation, woodcrete and maternity: for larger roosts or maternity colonies of crevice-dwelling Bats
• House Martin, Swallow and Swift nesting boxes or cups
• Small bird boxes and open front nesting boxes for Robins

We look forward to keeping you updated on these projects.