Swifts are in decline, but local residents can help by providing suitable nesting sites.
Following a busy Swift awareness stall at the recent West Norwood Feast, residents are being encouraged to find out whether their homes or local buildings could accommodate a Swift nesting box.
Swifts are colony birds, so fitting several boxes across a street or neighbourhood is particularly helpful. Working together can also make it easier to share costs and organise installations.
There are already ‘Swift streets’ being organised on Selsdon, Casewick, Wolfington, Thurlestone and Royal Circus. Plans are also underway to install boxes on public buildings including the Library, South London Theatre and Cemetery buildings.
If you would like to join an existing group or start a Swift street where you live, contact local Swift volunteer Jane Millar at janemillar93@googlemail.com. Jane can help you find out whether your street is suitable, answer questions, source nest boxes and advise on installations.
More information:
More information for interested neighbours.
How to make a swift neighbourhood guide.
