Help keep the sky alive with swifts!
Swifts have declined by over 50% in the last 20 years. In 2022 they were added to the red list of Birds of Conservation Concern .i.e. they are at risk of going extinct as a breeding species in Britain. Swifts join the likes of the nightingale and turtle dove.
Kingsteignton has about 30 pairs left and these need help if they are to survive. You can help these amazing birds by simple actions such as putting up swift nest boxes on the wall of your house.
Swift Image copyright Roger Wyatt
Purpose
Kingsteignton Swifts Aim is to conserve the local swift population through practical action and raising their plight so that people will value and help to protect them for future generations to enjoy.
3 PRACTICAL WAYS TO HELP SWIFTS
Install nest boxes. These can be made in various designs and can be installed on most houses. Until swifts find them these boxes can be used by other species while swifts do not use the more common nest boxes that people install in their gardens or on their homes.
Record swift nest sites. Only with reliable data do the authorities respond to requests for action to be taken. Record active nests, lost nests and new nest boxes on the RSPB Swift Mapper App. This will provide data for concerned organisations and help conserve swifts.
Comment on planning applications. Request integral nest boxes at the equivalence to the number of homes to be built. This raises the profile of swifts, will help ensure they have homes in the future and brings neighbourhoods alive with the sound of swifts in the summer!
Other Sources for Swift Information
Swift Conservation – https://www.swift-conservation.org
Action for Swifts – https://actionforswifts.blogspot.com
Bristol Swifts – https://www.bristolswifts.co.uk
RSPB – https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/swift/
The Northern Ireland Swift Group – http://saveourswifts.co.uk
Kingsteignton Swifts 