​​​Become a Swift Guardian

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For thousands of years, Swifts have been our summer companions, filling the skies with their distinctive calls and breathtaking aerial displays. But now, these incredible birds are in decline and we need to act fast to protect them.

 

To help provide much needed nesting spaces, a ‘Swift Tower’ has been installed at the Cold Knap Park in Barry.

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We need your help! We’re looking for volunteers to become Swift Guardians, helping us monitor and record Swift sightings across Barry.

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We're are also offering free swift boxes, inviting these incredible birds to nest in homes and buildings across the Vale!

Want to get involved? Please complete the form below and a member of the team will be in touch:

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https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/WJyKLaKXFP

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Why Swifts Matter

 

Swifts are incredible long-distance migrants, spending most of their lives in the air, feeding, mating and even sleeping on the wing! They travel thousands of miles each year, returning to the UK every summer to nest. However, their numbers are declining, and they really need our help.

 

Swifts nest almost exclusively in buildings, in nooks and crannies. However, as we renovate and demolish old buildings, these vital nesting sites are disappearing. This is a serious problem for Swifts as they return to the same site year after year to raise their young.

 

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​​Identifying Swifts

 

Swifts can sometimes be confused with other similar-looking birds including Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins.                                               

• Swift - shallow-forked tail, dark brown all over, long crescent shaped wings.

• Swallow - deeply forked tail, blue head and red throat, white underside.

• Sand Martin - bar across chin, dark brown upper and white underside.

• House Martin - blue-black head, white underside.

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How you can help

 

Help us give Swifts a helping hand to ensure their spectacular summer displays continue in our skies.

 

• Look out for Swifts between May and August as they soar and scream overhead.

• Protect existing nest sites in buildings and install Swift nest boxes

• Report Swift sightings via RSPB Swift Mapper to help monitor numbers

 

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Did you know?

 

• One Swift can eat 100,000 insects in a single summer. 

• They can travel 14,000 miles during migration from Africa and 250,000 miles each year!​​