Category: Swifts & Hirundines

The aim of this section of the site is (1) to focus attention on the need to protect, wherever possible, the nesting sites of Swifts in Sussex. These birds are declining for several reasons, one being due to their nesting areas being destroyed. In conjunction with Edward Mayer and www.swift-conservation.org. it is hoped that we can continue to highlight the help that can be given to these wonderful birds; and (2) to focus similar attention on hirundines, notably the red-listed House Martin but also Swallows and Sand Martins.

Edward Mayer coming to Lewes – 10th May

Posted on | By Chris Brown

Edward Mayer, the Swift Expert, is coming to Lewes to enthuse residents to put up Swift boxes to encourage more Swifts to take up residence in future years.

His talk will take place in the Lecture Room of the Town Hall in Fisher Street. Doors open at 7pm, talk will start at 7.30pm. Admission: A donation to Swift conservation in Lewes. A donation of £5 or more gets a Lewes Swift Supporters enamel badge. Tea and coffees available.

This meeting is being organized by the Lewes Swift Supporters Group @lewesswifts

 

Swifts Have Arrived

Posted on | By Chris Brown

On 28th April – 5th May the Lewes Swift Supporters group will be having an interesting display of leaflets, Swift Bricks and Swift Boxes in the window of the Lewes Tourist Office on the High Street (by the traffic lights). This is to encourage the good people of Lewes to think about Swifts needing more homes in Lewes this year and to help put up more Swift Bricks or boxes.

Lewes, Swifts and Michael Blencowe on BBC Countryfile

Posted on | By Chris Brown

Congratulations to SOS member Michael Blencowe from Sussex Wildlife Trust for being featured on Countryfile on BBC1 on Sunday 5th March 2017, highlighting the Lewes Swift Supporters group. This group have come together to improve the nesting areas for Swifts in Lewes.

Lewes has had a good 10% of the County’s nesting colonies in past years, but numbers have dropped considerably due to roof alterations and fitting of plastic soffits. The fantastic sound of Swifts screaming in groups during their breeding cycle, which echoes through the streets in Lewes during June and July is the real sound of summer.

Through 2016 members of this group recorded existing nesting places so that this year Swift Boxes will be put up as near to the existing colonies as possible. A calling system can also be fitted alongside the box which attracts the attention of these birds when they arrive back at the end of May.

The Tourist Information window beside the Town Hall will be used as an advertisement for all things Swift-related during the last week in April, to inform members of the public about the life of Swifts and to encourage them to put up more boxes.

Audrey Wende: swifts@sos.org.uk

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