Page 24 - ALG Issue 1 2025

BIO-DIVERSITY
SAVING
THE SWIFT
Small yet mighty, Swifts undertake one of nature’s most extraordinary journeys. Every year, these resilient birds travel from the vast savannahs and dense forests of Africa to the bustling towns and cities of the UK, and then back
again - covering a staggering round
trip of at least 14,000 miles.Their unmistakable screaming call is one of the quintessential sounds of summer.
Unfortunately, the future of these remarkable insect-eating birds is at risk. According to the latest Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) report, Swift populations have plummeted by over 40% in the
past decade alone. Reduction in insect numbers contributes to drop.The decline of insects means there is less food around for these birds and their chicks.
This sharp decline has landed them on the red list of conservation concern - the highest level of conservation priority facing significant threats worldwide, indicating that immediate and decisive action is needed to save them.
Swifts meet all these criteria, underlining the urgent need to protect them. One simple yet effective way to help is by providing nesting sites. Installing a Swift brick in a wall or putting up a
nest box can give these birds a safe place to rest and raise their young, directly contributing to their survival.They are a building dependent species and ideally like
to nest at eaves height; boxes and bricks for them are also perfect for House Sparrows, also a red list species.
Legislative Action and Local Success
The topic of making Swift bricks compulsory in new housing developments was brought to Parliament on July 10, 2023. While the government recognised the value of such measures,
it ultimately left the decision to local authorities.
Despite this, local efforts are making a difference.Thanks to the persistent work of local campaigners, particularly the Bolton and Bury Swifts group, Bury
Council has become the first authority
in Greater Manchester to mandate the integration of Swift bricks into new housing developments this July.This decision marks a significant victory for us, birds and biodiversity alike.
A Win for Nature
Supporting Swifts is not just about preserving a single species—it’s about defending the intricate web of life that sustains our planet. By taking small actions, such as installing Swift bricks, we can make a big difference in ensuring that these incredible birds continue to grace our skies for generations to come.
To amplify these efforts, we should
all be reaching out to our local councils, urging them to adopt similar measures and make Swift bricks a standard in new housing developments.Together, we
can protect our birds and, in doing so, safeguard our natural world. For more information about how you can help
to conserve swifts please visit www.swift-conservation.org
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24 | Issue 1 2025 | Allotment and Leisure Gardener