Shaftesbury Swifts
Our Goals
We aim to raise awareness in the SP7 area about the plight of nesting swifts, when small cavities and entrances into roof spaces (that swifts use each year to raise their young) get blocked up by new soffit and facias, roof repairs and re-mortaring work. Modern houses offer few opportunities for cavity nesting birds, like swifts, sparrows and starlings, to lay their eggs and raise their young. This is particularly serious for swifts who are faithful to the same nest space year after year and can be killed or injured as they try to re-enter a nest site that has been obstructed.
That’s why we also aim to help householders put up swift boxes in suitable locations in Shaftesbury and the wider SP7 area. You may have noticed the swift boxes at the rear of Morrisons, or the special, hollow swift-nest bricks that have been built into some of the new housing developments to the east of the town.
Where can you observe swifts?
As well as watching swifts in the skies over the town, there are beautiful swift colonies in St James, Enmore Green, Donhead St Mary, Donhead St Andrew and Charlton. Right now, ‘our’ Shaftesbury swifts will be journeying across continental Africa, relying on cloud forest and seasonal rains to generate the airborne insects they feed on. Did you hear them in David Attenborough’s ‘Kingdom’, flying above the big cats, hyenas, and wild dogs in Nsefu, Zambia? Other than when they nest, these incredible birds remain airborne for up to 10 months of the year and juvenile birds, too young to breed, may be airborne for up to three years after leaving their nest. Each spring, Swifts migrate back from southern Africa, to breeding grounds across Europe, Asia, Russia and Scandinavia. We are incredibly lucky that they still come back to Shaftesbury!
How can you help?
Install swift boxes:
If you think you have suitable wall space (unobstructed, above 3 metres, preferably not due south) for a specially designed swift nest box, please get in touch. We can help assess your property. We work with a swift-loving roofer who can install swift boxes at height.
Buy Shaftesbury Swift cards:
Artist Rachel Sargent has created beautiful swift cards to raise funds for Shaftesbury Swifts. You can buy them at Ludwell Shop and at all of our events.
Sign up for Easyfundraising:
Turn your online shopping into free donations for Shaftesbury Swifts at
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/shaftesburyswifts.
When you shop online, retailers donate to Shaftesbury Swifts, at no extra cost to you!
The Beginning
The inspiration behind Shaftesbury Swifts grew out of exited texting, each May, between several swift-obsessed friends and neighbours. ‘They’re back! Look up!’ but it took shape as an organisation at a Planet Shaftesbury Meeting in 2018 and through a proposal to the Town Council’s ‘Wild about Shaftesbury’ competition.
All our funds help us to create and protect safe nest habitat for swifts across the SP7 area.
Join us to observe and study our local swifts:
In summer, we run evening swift talks and walks to observe our local colonies in flight as they reach maximum numbers. Do come along and find out more. We also locate and monitor active swift nests in the town and in nearby villages. Come along and survey with us. No kit needed - just patience and sharp eyes! All our events are on our Facebook page and promoted on This is Alfred.
Swift Rescue
During the breeding season, accidents can happen. If you find a swift of any age, stranded on the ground, please put it in a secure box with a lid, keep in a quiet room, away from pets, and contact Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital as quickly as possible. Swift parents cannot care for young swifts on the ground. They can only be rehabilitated with specialist care: https://www.wiltshirewildlifehospital.co.uk
If you know of a local property where swifts are regularly entering a nest - please let us know! We can add it to our records and put it onto the RSPB swift mapper app.
Contact
Join our Facebook page: Shaftesbury Swifts
