We've installed 25 swift nest boxes at the St Martin’s Independent Living Scheme in Battle to help boost the birds’ population.
The initiative aims to halt the declining number of swifts, as part of the organisation’s wider biodiversity efforts.
The boxes will provide safe nesting sites, helping to increase the number of swifts in the area.
An event to celebrate the new initiative was held on Tuesday 18 June, with attendees including the Battle Town Mayor, Cllr Andrew Barton, and Kim Overington, a resident whose campaigning was key in bringing the project to life.
Kim said: “Who can fail to be enthralled by the sight of swifts. Their sickle like wings and screaming voices denote summer has arrived here in the UK. However, climate change, loss of nesting sites and reduction in food sources are among the reasons they are now at risk. Southern Housing kindly gave permission to install these nest boxes and I’m hopeful we’ll see even more support for these red-listed birds in the future.”
Cllr Barton said: “I’m hoping that today’s installation is the beginning of something much bigger. It’s really helped me to learn much more about swifts and I think I’ll probably have a swift box at home.
“The work that the residents here at St Martins alongside Southern Housing and everyone else involved will hopefully preserve swift lives in Battle for years to come.”
Kerry Briffitt, Biodiversity and Sustainability Lead at Southern Housing, added: “The swift is one of 30 species we’re focussing on as part of our commitment to nature recovery to stop biodiversity decline across our land ownership. We’re delighted to offer swifts new nesting sites and will continue to look for opportunities to support swift colonies through reinvestment and retrofit projects.”
We were guided by Action for Swifts in this project. The organisation is committed to ensuring the survival of this remarkable bird species through research, education and practical conservation efforts.
The project to install the nest boxes aligns with our Sustainability Strategy, which prioritises nature recovery and habitat enrichment. It’s part of a larger effort to support various species, including field crickets, marshmallow moths, pipistrelle bats and water voles.
Pictured above - Glenda Wilson, Regional Invest Manager at Southern Housing, before adding the final brick.
The installation was made possible through sponsorship by contractor Colours who are a decorating company who specialise in cyclical maintenance, refurbishments, structural and ground works.
Sean Edmunds, Director at Colours said: “We were inspired to supply and install 24 swift boxes on a building where we had recently replaced the roof free of charge as part of our commitment to community enrichment and environmental stewardship.
“By providing these swift boxes, we not only support the conservation of this remarkable species but also enrich the local biodiversity. Through such initiatives, we hope to inspire others to take small yet impactful steps towards preserving our shared environment.”
Ian Donovan, Founder and Chair at Hastings and Rother Swift Conservations Group said: “One of our followers contacted us when scaffolding went up adjacent to a nationally important swift colony in Battle.
“We immediately saw an opportunity and went about sourcing information as to the building’s owners. The bricks offer security to the adjacent colony if anything negative was to happen to their nest site, but immediately allows them to expand out into St Martins.”
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