Coastal Synergy: Blending Living Shorelines with Bank Swallow Habitat
By Lauren Stead, Program Manager
In the fall of 2023, Nature NB embarked on the journey of installing a living shoreline in the Chaleur Region to combat coastal erosion, in collaboration with Birds Canada, Helping Nature Heal, Chaleur Bay Watershed, and Regen Media. However, there was a catch: Bank Swallows in the area relied on the eroding cliff face for nesting. Our Program Manager, Lauren Stead, takes us through a day of hard work on a pilot project that integrates Bank Swallow habitat preservation with living shoreline restoration techniques.
In Northern New Brunswick, along the Chaleur Bay on the shores of Bathurst Harbour, lies Youghall Beach, a beautiful white sandy saltwater beach. When strolling along the shoreline, inhaling the salty breeze seems to wash away the stresses of everyday life.
Nature NB staff arrived at Youghall Beach mid-afternoon. It was a hot, humid day and the mosquitos were swarming. Herring Gulls glided effortlessly overhead, while distant cries mingled with the soothing sounds of the waves hitting the shore. Some of our partners were already there, eagerly unloading a large UHaul filled with grasses, perennials, small trees and shrubs, and various gardening equipment. We quickly got to work to help unload the remainder of the truck while the rest of the team showed up. After a couple hours of work, we met to discuss the plan for the following day.

At Youghall, the bank has a rapidly eroding cliff face with the characteristic rows of nest holes, a premium habitat choice for the Bank Swallow. With the help of Helping Nature Heal, an ecological restoration company, our plan was to protect the threatened Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia), while working to slow shoreline erosion at Youghall beach. To our knowledge, nothing like this had been done before.

Photo: Youghall Bank with Bank Swallow nests.
Bank Swallows are the smallest of our swallows and are one of the most widespread birds throughout the world. They mostly feed on insects caught in flight, making them an aerial insectivore. Aerial insectivores have been experiencing steep population decline across North America. In Canada, Bank Swallows have declined by 98% over the past 40 years, a startling statistic that Nature NB and our partners are working to change. Because of this, we knew it was essential that we maintain the habitat for this endangered species, while providing protection against storm surges, flooding, and erosion.
People young and old participated to plant native trees and shrubs and build other natural erosion protection measures that work to restore the living shoreline. Care was taken to not disturb the bank, and members of the public were engaged by doing the planting with us or by chatting with us as we were working.
Over time, the roots may hold the bank in place while providing habitat for the swallows to raise their young. This showcases the importance of healthy shorelines in our coastal ecosystems.
After a long day, volunteers and staff alike were dirty and exhausted, yet had massive smiles on their faces, because we all love what we’re doing and there is a real sense of community and connection in this work. We all stopped for a moment to admire our hard work before getting a giant dinner and a deep sleep.

Do you want to support projects such as this one to conserve the habitats of endangered species in New Brunswick? Follow Nature NB on social media to stay informed about future volunteer opportunities with Healthy Coasts and the organization as a whole.