A colony of sand martins has made a welcome return to Norfolk.

North Norfolk News: Sand martins have been building a new nesting site on the cliffs at Walcott in north Norfolk. Picture: Jon SweatmanSand martins have been building a new nesting site on the cliffs at Walcott in north Norfolk. Picture: Jon Sweatman (Image: Archant)

The birds fly more than 5,000 miles each spring to roost in spots including the cliffs on the north Norfolk coast.

Jonathan Sweatman photographed some of the birds building a new nesting site on the cliffs at Walcott.

Mr Sweatman, who lives in the village, said: “Where they are building is on part of the cliff that collapsed last winter.”

Sand martins bore tunnels up to a metre in length, and they lay their eggs on collected straw and feathers in a chamber at the end.

North Norfolk News: Sand martins have been building a new nesting site on the cliffs at Walcott in north Norfolk. Picture: Jon SweatmanSand martins have been building a new nesting site on the cliffs at Walcott in north Norfolk. Picture: Jon Sweatman (Image: Archant)

There was an outcry around this time last year when North Norfolk District Council put up netting over a mile-long stretch of cliffs in the area to stop the sand martins using the holes there.

This was because of fears they would be at risk of works part of a £21 million sandscaping project. But the council was forced to remove part of the netting so the sand martins could return to their holes.

North Norfolk News: Campaigners protesting the netting over the sand martin breeding site in 2019. PICTURE: Jamie HoneywoodCampaigners protesting the netting over the sand martin breeding site in 2019. PICTURE: Jamie Honeywood (Image: Jamie HoneywoodArchantNorwichNorfolk)