The Cotswold Water Park

In recent weeks, a number of local birdwatchers have contacted me expressing concern about landforming activities at Kent End Farm Quarry (operated by Moreton C Cullimore Ltd). Concerns have been expressed that backfilling is at risk of burying the still active breeding colony. The colony, established a month or so ago, comprised at peak, around 300 active holes.

Can I please reassure everyone, that the Site Managers are fully aware of the Sand Martins and are maintaining a stand-off from the colony. They do this willingly every year at this site, actively supporting a variety of breeding birds such as Little Ringed Plover and Sand Martin. The Sand Martins here are not threatened.

Please note that backfilling work is being undertaken in close proximity to these birds but beyond a standoff of several metres. They continue to feed their young undisturbed.

The Cotswold Water Park Society works closely with all mineral operators in the CWP, promoting biodiversity in quarries. Happily, all quarry managers in the CWP support and protect biodiversity; in many cases, areas are set-aside for nesting birds such as Sand Martin and Little Ringed Plover.

If you have concerns about these or other Sand Martin colonies in the CWP, please could you call me on 01285 861459:   Gareth Harris,  Biodiversity Officer, Cotswold Water Park Society