Swifts under threat

The call of the Swift is a sign summer has arrived – but numbers have dropped by 50 percent in the last 20 years, something the Tring Wildlife group is determined to change.

‘Swifts nest in roofs,’ explains Nick Brown from the Swift Local Network. ‘When buildings are renovated their access holes are blocked and they have nowhere to rear their young.’

Nesting birds are, by law, not to be disturbed, so it’s important to let builders know. ‘You can also provide internal nest boxes that can be easily fitted as walls are built,’ explains Nick Brown.

The Herts Bird Club is also encouraging people to add Swift sightings to their Record Submission Page. Email Vicky at wildtring@gmail.com, or find Tring Wildlife on Facebook.

Visit www.swift-conservation.org.uk for more information.