
Episode 2.70 - Sand Martin Spectacle and Earsham Colonies
From Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcasts by High Ash Farm
May 2, 2026 · 40 min
About this episode
Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin explore the sand martin colonies at Earsham Gravel Quarry, discussing their behavior and conservation status.
Send us Fan Mail On a breezy early-May morning, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin visit Earsham Gravel Quarry on the northern edge of High Ash Farm to witness a wonderful spectacle. Hundreds of sand martins swirl around the towering sand cliffs, pouring in and out of nest holes like a living Swiss cheese. Chris explains their colonial lifestyle, playful feather-chasing games, tiny size, brown collar, and long journey from the Sahel, while noting their sharp national decline and dependence on n...
People in this episode
Host: Chris Skinner
Guest: Matthew Gudgin
Topics covered
- sand martins
- colonial lifestyle
- nature observation
- biodiversity
- conservation
Keywords
- sand martins
- Earsham Gravel Quarry
- nature
- conservation
- biodiversity
- High Ash Farm
- colonial lifestyle
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Earsham Gravel Quarry, High Ash Farm, Sahel
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