Request FREE nest cups below!

South East Water Hampshire Postcode Map © Crown copyright and database rights 2023 Ordnance Survey License No. AC0000 850489Artificial nest cups can provide House Martins with safe nest sites, and save them time and effort building their own. Unlike some mud nests, these nests don’t fall down, so breeding success should be improved.

Working with South East Water and Hampshire Swifts, HOS is trialling a scheme to provide free nest cups for Hampshire properties in the South East Water supply area (see map). We aim to fit 100 double nest cups from Nest Cup Box before House Martins return to breed in 2026. So far, we have received requests for 6 properties, so if all these are approved, we have 94 left.

To maximise the chances of them being used, the free nest cups are being restricted to buildings within 100m of other nests – see this map of nests reported to HOS in 2025, or you may know of other nests yet to be added to the map.

Please read the FAQs below and then complete the Request Form.

Please also tell your neighbours – they will also be eligible for free nest cups if they fit the criteria.

FAQs

Why is the free nest cup scheme restricted to only part of Hampshire? As part of an initiative to improve outcomes for Swifts, Swallows, and martins across its supply area, South East Water is funding the provision of 100 double House Martin nest cups to be fitted in their water supply area in Hampshire. This will enable us to develop and test our application and installation processes before hopefully widening the scheme to other parts of Hampshire in future years.

Why is Hampshire Swifts fitting the House Martin nest cups? They have many years of experience climbing ladders to fit artificial nests for both Swifts and House Martins. They will use rawl plugs and stainless steel screws - obviously, you should have permission from the property owner to fit the nest cups!

Why are the nest cups being restricted to properties within 100m of known nests? House Martins nest in loose colonies. This enables them to find mud and flying insects together, and warn each other of approaching predators. Artificial nest cups within or adjacent to existing colonies are much more likely to be used than elsewhere.

How can I tell which type of nest cup to request? Most artificial nest cups are likely to be front-facing double cups (with sparrow prevention topper) made by Nest Cup Box. You’ll need a soffit overhang of at least 18cm and a horizontal space at least 36cm wide. We are not able to fix the cups to tiled walls.

If you have exposed rafter ends that are too close for the double, please request a front-facing single cup.

Single storey houses with a high gable apex and overhanging soffits should be suitable for left-facing double cups (on the right side of the gable) or right-facing double cups (on the left side of the gable).

Does it matter how high my roof is and which direction it faces? For ease of access and to maximise the chances of being used, the height should be at second floor level. The birds will also need a clear flight path, unobscured by trees or other buildings.

This guide by House Martin Conservation UK & Ireland includes further information about the best aspect and ensuring nesting birds have sufficient shade from the sun.

Why do I need to supply photos of my property? Photos of your proposed nest cup location will help confirm the design of your roof and that the type of nest cups you have chosen should work. This is particularly important for nest cups designed for gables.

What about the mess from falling bird droppings and any ongoing maintenance? By positioning the artificial nest cups away from your front door or windows you’ll hopefully avoid issues with mess. You could also fit a shelf beneath nests to catch droppings.  

None of the project partners (HOS, South East Water, Nest Cup Box or Hampshire Swifts) will be legally responsible for future maintenance, replacement or removal of the nest cups.

How quickly can I expect House Martins to use an artificial nest cup? We hope that some of the artificial nest cups will be used in 2026. However, there is anecdotal evidence that fledglings check out potential nest sites before migrating and return to use them the following year, so artificial nest cups installed before the 2026 breeding season are more likely to be used from 2027.

What happens next? When your request has been approved, your contact details will be forwarded to Hampshire Swifts who are fitting the nest cups for HOS. They will arrange a suitable installation date with you.

Obviously we can’t guarantee House Martins will use your nest cups but we hope that in time, you will be able to report success. We will contact you about how you can best let us know how things have gone.