SWIFTS are fascinating birds, eating, mating, even sleeping on the wing, and landing only to nest.
But greatly in decline, they are now on the red list of birds of conservation concern.
For every 20 swifts you might have seen in 1995, there are now just three.
Their main problem is a lack of nesting sites – and a decline in flying insects on which they rely for food.
Old building renovations can block off eaves, and new homes don’t provide suitable nest cavities.
The Eco Skills Learning Centre at Pudding Lane Nursery Arborfield runs free ‘build your own birdbox’ workshops for young children and vulnerable adults.
Volunteers have created 500 RSPB birdboxes in the last 12 months.
Now, with advice from the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust they are expanding their kits to include swift boxes.
“It’s given us new challenges,” said bird box workshop organiser Billie Bachra.
“Swift boxes are more complex to build, needing exterior quality plywood 12mm to 18mm thick.
And they need to be high in the eaves of old buildings, preferably in groups, as swifts are very sociable birds and like to return to the same nesting site.”
The group is looking for groups and individuals willing to sponsor them, and to put swift boxes in their old buildings, or within new building sites.
They are also seeking suitable donations of wood to make swift boxes.
For information, and to offer support, email: billie@spencerswoodrepaircafe.co.uk
