History of Action for Swifts
In 1996, with the approach of the Millennium, buildings everywhere
were being renovated. Seeing the distress of swifts as they tried
in vain to enter their traditional sites in old buildings round Ely
Cathedral which had been sealed up, we realised that we were witnessing
a phenomenon that was nationwide. It soon became clear that swift
colonies round the country were under threat as buildings were being
tarted up for the millennium. New building regulations requiring ventilation
of the roof void aggravated the problem as builders, quite unwittingly,
sealed the ventilation gap with wire mesh, thus preventing swift access.
A group of individuals therefore got together and started a campaign
called Action for Swifts. We began by drafting a key piece of campaign
literature,titled Action for Swifts and known as the "blue leaflet".
An approach was made to the RSPB, who agreed to design, produce and
print the leaflet for AfS.
We took the decision to distribute the leaflet to all parties likely
to be able to influence the continued provision of access for swifts,
such as:
- architects and builders
- planning authorities
- local councils
- housing associations
- other property owners
In addition, publicity about the campaign in the media - thanks
largely to the efforts of the late Chris Mead - brought the problem
to the attention of the general public.
One immediate outcome was that concerned individuals in various
parts of the country, who had assumed up to that point that they
were working alone, were able to join forces with AfS.
Later, a second leaflet was drafted relating to domestic properties
and aimed specifically at builders. This was produced by the BTO.
Both leaflets are available in pdf format. Click
here to download files. Please note that the contact details
are no longer correct in these leaflets, which are due to be updated
shortly, so check the website for the latest ones.
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Achievements
In the years since the campaign was started, a number of achievements
can be recorded:
- a number of local councils now have proactive policies for
swifts, eg as part of Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs)
- many property owners have benefited from advice both on providing
access and on nestboxing for swifts
- a network of private citizens now exists (see Swift Champions
below) to alert us to developments likely to disturb or destroy
swift colonies
- regional AfS representatives have been established who can
advise on local issues
- links have been established with individuals and organisations
on the Continent who are fighting similar battles to protect and
extend swift colonies
What's next for AfS
Much remains to be done, and our
priorities for the next few years include:
 encouraging
developers to incorporate "swift bricks" (shown
opposite) into new large commercial and industrial buildings,
as is required by law in the Netherlands- extending the network of Swift Champions
- standardising the methodology for recording breeding swifts
with a view to compiling a national inventory of colonies
- involving schools in swift-related projects
If you are interested in helping with the work of AfS, please get
in touch with the Project Coordinator or your nearest Regional representative. |
