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| A species in decline - swifts skimming over a rooftop (photo: RSPB) |
THE RSPB is urging householders to consider proving nesting homes for swifts - the more, the better.
In its latest press release, the charity states states: "Swifts are in serious trouble here, with numbers down to less than half of what they were just 20 years ago.
"Modern buildings lack the nooks and crannies they need, and swifts are struggling to find homes.
"There are special swift nestboxes available, and if you’re having a building constructed or renovated, there’s also the option of the ‘swiftbrick’.
"This replaces a standard house brick and can easily be installed by a builder.
"Swift boxes and swift bricks can work especially well when put up in groups as these birds like to be near other swifts."
"Having swifts as neighbours is enjoyed by many homeowners.
"Recent research by University of Gloucestershire Masters student Sarah Roberts showed that people welcome the birds living on the outside of their homes.
"When asked whether they thought built-in boxes for birds such as swifts were a good idea, 61 per cent were positive and 36 per cent unconcerned about having them in their own homes.
"Local councils and developers also have the power to make an enormous difference.
"Some housebuilders are already integrating swift homes into new buildings.
"For example Barratt Developments have added 200 on their Kingsbrook estate in Aylesbury and have plans to install many more around the country.
"The Duchy of Cornwall has been putting built in swift homes into properties from Kent to Cornwall."
More at:
"This replaces a standard house brick and can easily be installed by a builder.
"Swift boxes and swift bricks can work especially well when put up in groups as these birds like to be near other swifts."
"Having swifts as neighbours is enjoyed by many homeowners.
"Recent research by University of Gloucestershire Masters student Sarah Roberts showed that people welcome the birds living on the outside of their homes.
"When asked whether they thought built-in boxes for birds such as swifts were a good idea, 61 per cent were positive and 36 per cent unconcerned about having them in their own homes.
"Local councils and developers also have the power to make an enormous difference.
"Some housebuilders are already integrating swift homes into new buildings.
"For example Barratt Developments have added 200 on their Kingsbrook estate in Aylesbury and have plans to install many more around the country.
"The Duchy of Cornwall has been putting built in swift homes into properties from Kent to Cornwall."
More at:
The Wryneck says: This is a welcome initiative, but the RSPB needs to use its clout to do much more - for instance, by coaxing (or badgering) other large housebuilders such as Bellway, Bovis, Galliford and Persimmon to follow the example of Barratts. It could also be much more dynamic in persuading the planning authorities of local councils to encourage swiftbrick installations as a means of enhancing biodiversity at proposed residential and other developments.
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