Huntly Swift Group – NES Swifts

“They’ve made it again, which means the globe’s still working” – Ted Hughes

Swifts and the Urban Environment

Swifts are incredible, masters of the sky that arrive from Africa in early May to breed and leave us by the end of August/early September. Their ‘screaming parties’ and breathtaking aerobatics are a sign for many that summer is finally here. Sadly in 2021 Swifts were classified as a red-listed species having suffered a 63% decline in the UK breeding population since 1995*. Contributing factors are climate change, insect decline and nest site loss.

Common Swift rely solely on our buildings for breeding success, accessing via small gaps in the pointing, under loose slates and even in holes behind downpipes, they make little noise, no mess and do not enter buildings. Swift nest sites are being lost during building renovations, upgrades and demolitions, due to inadequate protection and no obligation to be included in ecological surveys. Eco upgrades are also excluding Swifts and other building reliant species due to a change in method and material. Swifts being 100% loyal to their one nest site for their breeding life, struggle to relocate. We are unwittingly excluding them from their homes and consequently, Swift populations are in rapid decline.

To help Swifts we must act quickly to firstly recognise and retain historical nesting colonies as a priority and further provide nesting opportunities using swift bricks in new builds. The optimum time to survey for nest sites is May – early July and once located, record with NESBReC or the RSPB Swift Mapper www.swiftmapper.org.uk, so the information can be used in the planning process.

*source – Birds of Conservation Concern 5^th Report and BTO Breeding Birds Survey 2021

Huntly Swift Group – NES Swifts

Formed in 2017 to address the decline in Common Swift, Barn Swallow, House and Sand Martin across the North East of Scotland. The group’s activities include:

Engaging local communities with power-point presentations, fundraising events and Swift Walks
School visits – Talks and fun activities
Conducting Swift surveys to build a database of active nest sites
Guiding local authorities on Swift bricks in new-build developments and advising on the retention and mitigation of known nesting colonies
Advising the building trade how to spot Swift sites and allow works to continue
Providing written proposals and guidance documents.
Helping communities and homeowners decide on Swift nest box placement
All our advice is free.

We cannot do this alone! How you can help the swifts in your area:

Volunteer with us to survey your local patch during May – July
Tell us if you know of swifts in your area and record sightings
Attend one of our swift events
Keep informed! Join our Facebook page and sign up to our ‘Saving the Aviators’ newsletter.
Put up a swift nest box, available for a donation
Get in touch: huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com