Construction site destroys nesting sites for sand martins

Construction for a new Netto supermarket in Warnstedt, near Thale, has led to the destruction of vital nesting and resting sites for sand martins. A sand-and-loam slope used by the birds was apparently cleared with construction machinery and later covered with a tarp, according to the local nature conservation authority.

The incident occurred near a protected landscape area. Photographs and videos submitted to the authority show that the birds had utilized the slope for nesting. The nature conservation department noted that the slope was initially cleared using construction equipment, destroying the birds' nesting burrows.

The subsequent covering of the slope with a tarp has drawn criticism from the conservation authority, which views this action as problematic for species protection. Although the tarp was temporarily removed, allowing the birds to begin creating new nests, it was reportedly reinstalled shortly thereafter.

The authority stated that the slope is to be filled in later, for safety reasons, permanently removing it as a habitat for the birds. The alternative would have been a multi-week construction halt.

The construction company indicated that the tarp was likely applied too late and that work on the slope was carried out independently. Netto, the supermarket chain, has stated that nature and species protection are of high importance and that they are in communication with all parties involved to clarify the situation.