Every year in living memory, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming back swifts to our local communities across the Melbreak area. Sadly these remarkable birds that migrate over 5,000 miles from Africa , to raise their young in our local villages and settlements every summer, are in steep decline.
On Tuesday 27 April, 2021, Tanya and Edmund Hoare from Sedbergh Swift Group, gave a fascinating talk about the lives of these iconic and much loved acrobats of our summer skies. Having a colony of swifts returning to their home for the last twenty years, they’ve adapted their house specifically, not only to provide nest sites but also to film them. Tanya and Edmund shared some wonderful, footage, which gave a real insight into the lives of these charismatic birds.
Please also find further information –and links to national and regional swift webpages here
In 2020, following public consultation, The Melbreak Communities applied to the Lake District Communities Fund for funding for ‘The Melbreak Communities Swift Project’. However due to uncertainty caused by Covid-19 the LDNPA application has been on hold ever since. Despite this, with the help of local residents we have already monitored swift screaming parties and nest sites in 2020, reporting information back to the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Following on from Tanya and Edmund’s inspirational talk this year, we wish to pick up momentum to coordinate swift box placements across the area, as a lack of suitable nest sites is thought to be a key cause of their decline. Find out more about nest boxes: STimpson swift box.
If you are interested in getting involved, please contact with Tanya St. Pierre, who will be coordinating the Project.
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February 2023 Update
We are delighted to announce some recent developments. Swift boxes have now been fitted within the louvres of the church tower of St. Cuthbert’s Church, Lorton. Huge thanks to local residents Pam and Mike Jaques, and Simon Cain, a local carpenter, who measured up the space for the boxes and then constructed and the fitted the swift boxes free of charge. The boxes are backed with two panels, which can be adapted for siting a camera at any time.
Recently St. Cuthbert’s Church received ‘Gold Award’ as part of its Eco-church status, working closely with the community to help support wildlife is one of its key aims. Going forward the Swift Project aims to work closely with St. Cuthberts to install swift callers and cameras, to increase the success of nesting and to monitor the birds. Once this is set up – we hope everyone within the community has a chance to enjoy these magnificent birds more closely.
photos courtesy of Pam & Mike Jaques
2 June 2021
More information on swifts http://actionforswifts.blogspot.com/
Calling in the Swifts………this caller attracts the birds to your nest boxes. If you are in the Melbreak Communities area it may be possible to borrow a caller. Follow this link Swift Call devices.
Contact Glenis on glenis@borderhydro.co.uk
https://www.swift-conservation.org/Shopping!.htm
The Melbreak Communities 