SOME three years ago, the RSPB launched a project entitled homes fit for birds. This was an online project aimed at making our homes and gardens more attractive to birds and other wildlife. I was approached by an advisory officer at the RSPB to supply inf

SOME three years ago, the RSPB launched a project entitled homes fit for birds. This was an online project aimed at making our homes and gardens more attractive to birds and other wildlife. I was approached by an advisory officer at the RSPB to supply information on how we could incorporate nest places into both new and older properties to ensure that birds that relied on building as habitat and next sites were provided for.

When we looked at swallows I stated that these birds were increasingly coming under pressure from the restoration of derelict barns and outbuildings and the installation of lighting for reasons of security or health and safety.

I suggested that we should think about where we might find somewhere safe for swallows and house martins, and the idea of designing bridges over rivers and marshland came to mind. The idea came with the news about the train derailment, the railway bridge has for many years been home to more than 20 swallows.

A spokeswoman for Network Rail stated in the Ely Standard that the bridge may have to be rebuilt and I have also read elsewhere that "It is likely that the bridge will need to be replaced".

May I, as a spokesman for the many unfortunate swallows that may or may not return next year, ask Network Rail to do their best to design a bridge that, if it has to be different, will still provide a home for the resident swallows.

As David Attenborough says "Saving planet earth starts here."

W MURRELLS

Station Road

Ely