Chapel-en-le-Frith Biodiversity Group: Supporting Swifts

With renovations of old buildings and new buildings rarely taking account of swifts, nesting holes available for swifts have decreased markedly in recent years. Swifts are now on the UK Red list of Birds of Conservation Concern.

Swifts visit the UK for just three months every year (May to July), travelling all the way from the Congo & Sahara, returning to the same nest spot. They nest in buildings (under eaves), and mate for life.

The best times to spot swifts are in early-mid July, from half an hour before dawn to two hours after, and from two hours before dusk to half an hour after. Ideally on a warm/hot and dry day (if we get any!!). RSPB guide to identification by sight and sound.

What you can do:

Help understand the swift population in Chapel: if you know or suspect you have swifts nesting, let us know! This leaflet tells you more about what to look for. There are more than 90 nests identified in Buxton - but we have no idea how many in Chapel... yet!

If you have building or renovation work going on, and you know (or suspect) you might have swifts nesting there, leave nest places undisturbed avoid sealing up nest holes. Find out more.

If you are constructing a new building, could you install a swift brick?

If you have space, perhaps you could host swift boxes on your house or business premises? We have access to a small amount of funding to help if you need it, and some plywood and volunteers who may be able to help install them. New boxes need to be put up by April, before the swifts start to arrive.

If you have a garden or allotment, don't use insecticides. Swifts (along with many other birds) depend on flying insects to survive.