SWIFT ACTION FOR SWIFTS

The Society has installed 364 Swift boxes with associated callers in the last year to try to help tackle the catastrophic decline in numbers of Swifts. Swift numbers are estimated to be down by 80% between 1995 and 2020. The principal reasons for this are thought to be the loss of nesting sites and the loss of insects as a result of climate change and the biodiversity crisis.

This scheme has been carried out by the Society in partnership with the County Council. Together we were successful in applying for funding from Natural England’s Species Recovery Fund.

While we have come to the end of the installation phase of the project we will now be starting the monitoring phase and will be assessing the success of the boxes over the next 5 years. There is plenty of scope for members to get involved with the monitoring programme. If you would like to get involved please get in touch with Peter at secretary@lros.org.uk.

Colin celebrates another Swift box installation.