Swift numbers plummet

The number of breeding swifts in the south-west has fallen by around 40% over the last ten years, says the Dorset Wildlife Trust. They blame the lack of avaliable nesting sites as the cause. Following this decline, the future of this iconic summer bird is looking grim. To help, the Dorset Swifts project has been launched by Dorset Wildlife Trust in partnership with the RSPB.

The swift is known to nest in the eaves of old buildings, many of which have been demolished or refurbished, leaving the swift with nowhere safe to nest.  

The project aims to harness the aid of the general public in a bid to save these acrobatic little birds. They hope to improve understanding of the needs of swifts and compile an accurate picture of swift populations in Dorset.

Anna Muckle, Biodiversity Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “We would like people to think about swifts when planning new buildings or repairs to old ones, to see if they can make space for swifts.  And if you live in a more modern building, why not put up a swift nestbox?  It is also important that we know where swifts are at the moment, so please report your sightings on the website.”

Swifts, often confused with swallows and martins, are now arriving in Dorset for the nesting season.

You can report swift sightings, and find other useful information on the website www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/swifts