Hundreds of nesting boxes to help boost swift populations have been installed across Leicestershire.
Leicestershire County Council’s two-year ‘Swift Action for Swifts’ project aimed to help reverse the decline in swift numbers, with residents getting involved and playing a crucial part in turning the tide.
More than 350 swift boxes were installed in parts of Leicestershire where swifts have been recorded. 150 swift callers were also fitted, which use sound to attract the bird to nest in the boxes.
Swift numbers have fallen by 53 per cent between 1995 and 2016 and there was huge public interest in the programme, which saw double the number of enquiries to install a box than were available on the scheme.
Funded by a grant from Natural England, the project also saw volunteers spend over 1,000 hours carrying out property assessments, installing boxes and telling people more about swifts.
“This has been a fantastic project, and it’s heartening to see it’s made a huge difference in helping to halt the decline in swift numbers.
“It’s also been great to see residents getting involved to create much-needed space for these remarkable birds. Nature is so important, so I hope we can all keep doing out bit to support our swift population.”
Person:Councillor Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for environment & flooding
The county council is working with the Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological Trust (LROS) to helpt organisations in Leicestershire to support swifts, including swift-friendly practices within building and installation works.
The local swift population is still being monitored and people can submit any sightings of swifts by visiting the LROS website or NatureSpot.
- The Natural England funding was provided from the “Species Recovery Programme Grant Scheme” as part of a two-year project that began in 2023
- Partners adopting swift-friendly measures and practices include EON and Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
- Leicestershire County Council is a member of the Leicestershire and Rutland Swift Partnership, alongside Leicester City Council, Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological Society and the National Forest Company
- Swift numbers have been in decline nationally, with the reason put down to a reduction in breeding sites, fewer flying insects due to the use of pesticides, and climate change.