Swift boxes mounted
We’ve built 120 swift boxes – now we’re waiting for the swifts! Sam Freegard shares the latest update on the brilliant efforts of our Swifts, Swallows and Sand Martins group…
It is widely accepted that our swift numbers – including in Cornwall – have plummeted by over 50% since 1995, such that swifts are ‘red-listed’ as a Bird of Conservation Concern. The causes of decline are complex, but it seems a lack of suitable nest sites is a contributing factor, along with a decline in insect populations.
Wildlife Groundswell is attempting to address this! 120 swift ‘Model 30’ nest boxes were assembled in two workshops held at Rosuick Farm on 9th and 10th February. These workshops were held in collaboration with the Cornwall National Landscapes Team who also sponsored the events and helped to cover the cost of materials.
In anticipation of the return of our swifts at the end of April/beginning of May, so far 70 of these nest boxes have been allocated (and the majority actually installed), mainly around the Lizard Peninsula but also further afield, including Gweek, Helston, Penryn Quarry, Calamansack, Carbis Bay, and even as far as Cot Valley.
Swift boxes at Gear Farm, St Martin
In another exciting separate development, Justin Evens is currently involved in the installation of several specially designed swift nest boxes in the belfry of St Wynwallow Church at Landewednack.
The intention is to have all our swift nest-box installations logged on the UK wide SwiftMapper app and to monitor the sites through the swift season (May-July) for signs of occupancy.
If you are interested in being part of our project – and particularly if you have a suitable site for hosting nest boxes (which are best installed in groups of at least 2-3 and, preferably, not singly) please contact wildlifegroundswell@gmail.com. We are happy to advise about installing the nest boxes and, if necessary, to undertake the installation for you.
We would like to have as many of the remaining 50 swift nest boxes installed by the end of April. The boxes (and installations) are provided free-of-charge but we welcome donations to Wildlife Groundswell CIC to help maintain the project, and in recognition that the cost of materials alone is around £8 per nest box.
