Leicestershire residents urged to help and protect swifts

Tuesday, 11 June 2024 at 15:49

The numbers of swifts are in severe decline across the UK.

People across Leicestershire are being encouraged to apply for nesting boxes to be installed on their homes to help and protect swifts.

The Swift Action for Swifts project aims to reverse the decline in the numbers of the migratory birds by helping householders across the county to create nesting sites.

It provides specially-built swift boxes and ‘callers’ to encourage the birds to locate the boxes and make their homes in them.

So far, boxes are being installed at more than 130 sites.

Last year, Leicestershire County Council was awarded a £77,000 grant from Natural England to help boost swift populations across the county and help them recover.

The numbers of swifts are in severe decline across the UK, due to loss of breeding, the reduced numbers of flying insects caused by the use of pesticides, and climate change.

Ann Carruthers, Leicestershire County Council director of environment and transport, said: "I would encourage householders to contact us about getting a swift box installed on their homes. We will carry out an assessment and install the box if the property is suitable.

"It’s a very simple and effective way to protect these wonderful birds and to allow the population to grow and thrive."

Anyone who would like to apply for a swift nesting box should email EnvironmentTeam@leics.gov.uk(link sends email)

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