There are exciting plans afoot (a-wing!?) to help our local Swift population.
You’re invited to apply for a Swift nest-box for your home which could be yours free of charge (although donations are more than welcome).
Similar endeavours elsewhere have shown that installing multiple Swift nest-boxes results in a pleasing increase in the numbers of successful fledglings. Swifts are pretty picky when it comes to where they will nest, so nest-boxes need to be placed:·
- on the wall of a building, ideally under the eaves (where the roof hangs over);·
- Facing North, or East, or somewhere in between;
- 5 meters (15 feet) above the ground; with a clear flight path to allow for the Swift’s high-speed swooping approach..
(see also the RSPB’s Swift Mapper)
If you would like to see a Swift nest box on your house or outbuilding or think you have the perfect spot, or know of any current, abandoned or potential Swift nesting sites and would like to apply for a Swift nest-box, please contact the Swifts in South Brent team, by email to yaa@ssb.org.uk, sending your contact details and information about your location, or enquire in The Hub at the Old School Community Centre between 9:30am and 11am on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
As we aim for the best chance of success, the nest boxes will be allocated to sites which best fit the criteria. Help with installation is available and the work needs to be completed during April.
In another Swifts-in-South Brent initiative, you’re invited to join us for an evening on Thursday 14th March with renowned naturalist, John Walters and carpenter, Jerry Horn: See: “House Martins, Swifts and Swallows in Devon – What can we do to help them thrive?”. You can book your tickets in advance on Eventbrite: £10, £5 or £0. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30 start.
(A collaboration between Sustainable South Brent volunteers, SSB’s Young Ambassadors, Dartside Explorer Scouts, Brent Birders, and Dawlish Swifts.)