A NUMBER of nest boxes have been installed across Malvern Vale and West Malvern to help the British swifts – threatened bird species.
Up to 20 swift boxes were installed at the end of last month in the two areas and two are being installed on the YMCA Malvern Vale Community Centre.
The other boxes have been put on homes where residents had responded to a leaflet calling out for people to get involved in the project. A further ten boxes were installed on June 8.
The project is the second of its kind led by Simon Evans, Worcester and Malvern RSPB group member, in an effort to help these threatened birds.
It was supported by Sue Martyr, Malvern Hills District Council’s Community Builder, and was funded by councillors John Raine and Julie Wood.
The Malvern Hills District still has nesting swifts, however, UK swift numbers have declined by 60 per cent in recent times.
Combining art with the new nest boxes
In response to their rapid decline, local artist Juliet Mootz, whose practice is focused on exploring events in the environment and nature, is currently working on raising awareness of the needs of the swifts.
She has been working with ‘Let’s See’ – a group of visually impaired artists participating in Malvern Library workshop. They have created work based on a background Juliet has prepared with organic natural plant stains. Stamps of swifts, and their own creativity, have been combined to create beautiful images (pictured above).
Juliet, who attended the swift boxes installation, said: “Using art as an opportunity to share knowledge and information about a subject is something I am passionate about, engaging communities and ensuring all can access art are challenges I enjoy.
“It was wonderful to see the efforts of so many passionate groups come together to help these incredible long-distance travellers.
“To many they sing the songs of the summer – swifts are amazing birds and anything to help fill our summer skies with them is very much appreciated.”
Simon thanked Sue, Community Builder, Lloyd Jones of ‘Reach’ with his cherry picker and Coun Raine and Coun Wood for the funding.
“Also big thanks to all the householders involved.
“New building methods and roof repairs mean swifts making the 7,000-mile journey from Africa to the UK can face a shortage of suitable nest sites.
“Incorporating swift bricks into new houses or putting swift boxes on existing ones, as we did, is a way to help alleviate this problem.”
Coun Raine, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services at MHDC and West Ward Member, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure supporting this most worthwhile project with ward-level funding.
“Providing more nesting sites for these amazing long-distance travelling birds will allow us all to continue to enjoy seeing them in our localities and, most important, help ensure their survival as a species.”
Simon hopes to run more swift box projects in the future.
Email [email protected] for more information and to get involved.
