We are helping by providing FREE nest cups!

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 (on the map this is the large blue area bordered by black and purple lines). Our aim was to fit at least 100 double nest cups from Nest Cup Box before House Martins return to breed in 2026. We have exceeded our target by finding properties for 125 nest cups, and we'll be fitting them in the coming weeks.

We are therefore no longer taking requests for free nest cups. We received many more initial requests which we were unable to approve, mostly because the properties lacked overhanging eaves or were too far from known colonies.

To maximise the chances of them being used, the free nest cups are being prioritised for buildings within 1km of other nests. This map shows nests reported to HOS in 2025.   

 

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 1km 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.

What factors determine which type of nest cup would be best? Most artificial nest cups are likely to be front-facing double cups (with sparrow prevention topper) made by Nest Cup Box. For these you’ll need a soffit overhang of at least 16cm and a horizontal space at least 36cm wide. We are not able to drill into tiled walls.

If you have exposed rafter ends that are too close for the double, front-facing single cups may be best.

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).

We have not provided nest cups for houses without overhanging eaves. 

Does it matter how high the 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 were people asked to supply photos of their property? Photos of proposed nest cup locations helped confirm the design of the eaves and which type of nest cups would be best. What about the mess from falling bird droppings and any ongoing maintenance? By positioning the artificial nest cups away from the front door or windows, issues with mess should be avoided. It is also possible to 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 House Martins be expected 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? Hampshire Swifts are fitting the nest cups for HOS. They will arrange suitable installation dates with property owners.

Obviously we can’t guarantee House Martins will use the nest cups but we hope that in time, we will receive reports of success. We will be in touch to say how feedback is being collated.