The RSPB is challenging the building industry in Wales to follow the lead of householders and take action for swifts.
The wildlife charity believes that if the building and roofing industry, developers and local authorities would take swifts to heart like householders have, it could ease a housing crisis for the declining birds.
Numbers of these summer migrants in Wales has declined by almost 43% between 1995 and 2007, meaning they are now on the amber list of conservation concern in Wales, and rapidly approaching the 50% level of decline which would result in them being on the red-lit.
The RSPB is trying to understand why swifts are declining, but loss of nest sites through building improvement or demolition is thought to be a serious issue, as they nest almost exclusively on buildings.
A nationwide search launched by the wildlife charity last year asked for help identifying where swifts are still seen and could be nesting, with thousands of people taking part.
Results revealed the critical role that buildings play in the future of the species, with all swifts recorded found nesting on buildings and over three quarters of them (77%), found nesting in houses.
The RSPB believes that home and business owners, builders and developers all play a fundamental role in helping this species, which has declined dramatically in recent years.
And the charity hopes that more can be done to protect existing nests and provide more nesting opportunities in new buildings and renovations.
Patrick Lindley, RSPB Cymru Species Officer says: “We really hope that the building industry will sit and up and take notice of the difference they could make to an extremely popular bird. All it takes is some simple steps to create nesting sites during renovation work, or when they are building new houses, especially in areas where swifts are already present.”
The RSPB is continuing its swift search this year and appealing to us all to look out for groups of screaming swifts at roof level, a good sign they are breeding nearby, or where they have seen swifts nesting – perhaps entering a hole in the building or under a roof. They would like any sightings reported to them via their website at (www.rspb.org.uk/helpswifts).
Some developers, councils and private individuals are already helping swifts. This year, the RSPB website includes a section for them to report on the great work they’ve been doing to create new nests.
The data is being made available through the National Biodiversity Network, and will be particularly useful to local authorities and developers. They can use the data to help this wonderful bird, and can report where new nest sites have been provided.
The RSPB suggests a number of simple measures that could help the fast dwindling swift population:
1. Leave any existing nest sites undisturbed where possible. Swifts will use the same nest sites again and again.
2. If you need to carry out repair work on your roof or fascias and soffits, make new nest access holes to match the old ones at exactly the same spot.
3. If building a new house, plan some internal nest spaces at the design stage.
4. If you are unable to do any of these, the other alternative is to fit a custom-made swift box.
Patrick Lindley says: “These birds are swift in both name and nature. Indeed, in one scientific study, during their display flights, they reached the highest speed in level flight ever proven for any bird in the world!
“It’s so sad that their decline is also very fast. But the good news that we can ALL help by ensuring they have places to nest, or by reporting where they are already nesting.”
