Episode 2.70 - Sand Martin Spectacle and Earsham Colonies

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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