Kingfisher bank built after nest washed away

A man-made kingfisher bank has been built after a nesting area was washed away in flash floods.

Washington Wetland Centre (WWT) said it hoped to attract the birds back by creating a secure new nesting spot.

Last year, a kingfisher family was captured on video confirming for the first time they had been breeding on site, however their nest was destroyed in a flood shortly afterwards.

John Gowland, reserve manager, said the new bank was "vital for restoring lost habitats and supporting incredible wildlife".

Two custom-designed kingfisher nest boxes have been built into the wall and filled with sand to replicate the birds' natural nesting environment.

Kingfishers are territorial and only one pair is expected to nest within the bank.

On the edge of Wader Lake, the artificial wall will provide the opportunity to see the birds up close and "strengthen conservation work".

The bank has been topped with large paving slabs to create a stable roof, which was then covered topsoil to blend into the environment.

People standing in the hide next to the water will have "excellent views" of the nesting area, the centre said.

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