Welcome to Southwell’s Screaming Swift Conservation Project
For many, the sound of a swift screaming party signals summer is here. But sadly more than half of British Swifts have been lost since 1995. The reasons underpinning this decline are unclear. One likely reason is the loss of nest sites due to renovations and building conversions. We can help reverse this loss.
As a small group of local wildlife enthusiasts, we started this project early in 2023 with the aim of helping to stop the decline in Swift numbers in Southwell and surrounding villages.
By appealing to residents, businesses and builders in the area, we want to raise awareness of the drop in the number of Swifts and give advice on how to halt the decline.
How can you help?
By installing a nest box, leaving a hole under your roof tiles or by installing a Swift brick in any new build. Ideally the boxes should be on a north facing wall, 5 metres high, with no trees or wires to hinder access.
Our aim is to install a total of at least 100 new Swift boxes in Southwell and immediate surrounding villages over the next few years.
Please visit the swift conservation website www.swift-conservation.org to find out all you need to know about providing a nest site for these remarkable birds.
If you could inform us about any sightings of swifts this would really help us focus on where to install more nest boxes. Or enter them on SwiftMapper.
Projects in Your Area
We have already started installation projects in Southwell (Westhorpe), Farnsfield and Bleasby where there is a local resident available to help you with advice.
If you are interested in getting involved by helping to spread the word in your local area, please get in touch.
Further Information
We plan to add updates to this webpage as things develop, so please keep visiting.
Please email us if you would like some advice on installing a nest box, with any sightings or wish to help out.
For information about identification of Swifts, Swallows and House Martins, via the Wildlife Trust website.
Many thanks for your support: Mal, Anna, Richard, Mark, Corine and Mike
Green Southwell 