Swift is
Swift is
losing its nesting habitats
THEY are black and fast and their screaming call is one of the essential sounds of summer. But the swift is causing concern among bird-watchers, and for once changing agricultural methods are not being blamed.
Modern building methods, changes in building regulations and better maintenance are excluding the birds from their usual nesting places in roofs. Even replacing gutters can disturb nesting birds but can be avoided by planning this and other roof work outside of the birds breeding season of May to August.
During re-roofing especially, roofs are now securely sealed. However, with a little thought and virtually no expense, swifts can be encouraged to nest. Building Regulations require adequate ventilation (normally a gap of at least 25mm) to prevent condensation in the roof void. These gaps are covered with mesh or a patent ventilator and can be easily adapted to allow swifts in by leaving 35mm x 65mm every one or two metres. The best place to allow swifts access is between the rear of the soffit and the wall.
Michael Edwards
A swift specific nest box is available from Jacob Jane.Tel 01227 860388
For a leaflet Concern for Swifts send an sae to: C. Morley, BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU.