Valley prepares for the arrival of sand martins

A WEEK of events will celebrate the latest addition to a valley's wildlife population.

- TONY HENDERSON

Sand Martin Week, from June 12-16, will mark the arrival of the migratory birds from their African wintering grounds to nest in the Ouseburn Valley in Newcastle.

Last year, nine pairs of the birds used crevices in sandstone walls near the Free Trade Inn to raise their broods.

The birds became a big attraction for residents, workers and visitors to the Ouseburn and Newcastle Quayside. That prompted local community interest nature body Wild Intrigue to launch a crowdfunding appeal to build an artificial 48-chamber sand martin nesting bank on a private, fenced area opposite Malmo Quay and the Tyne Bar.