In 2024 a small band of people met with a shared concern over the rapidly declining numbers of swifts that visit the UK every year. From this Spa Swifts was born.

Swifts usually arrive In Leamington in May and can be identified by their iconic calls as they swoop and dive, spending most of their lives airborne. However, these loyal birds have declined in numbers by around 70% nationally and by 90% in some counties mainly due to home renovations destroying their nests and decreasing amounts of planted areas that provide food in the form of insects.

This small group is flourishing though, having started campaigning, fundraising and raising awareness. They have lobbied our local MP and the local council, received two grants from National Grid’s Community Fund and Royal Leamington Spa Town Council Community Grant, bought and sited over 30 boxes and produced an education pack for schools. The High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Susan Rasmussen visited the group in Brunswick to see some of their boxes in situ and talk to the group. As a swift lover herself, Susan was very enthusiastic about the group and their work.

The next round of box siting is underway, although they do still need more help from people who are insured to go up ladders to install the boxes. They are making some great contacts locally with other swift groups. They are also trying to encourage people to plant small areas of wildflowers to increase the numbers of ~~all~~ insects for the swifts to feed on.

If you would like to help in any of the following ways, please contact [email protected]

They are looking for people or schools who can:

· install boxes;

· trial their new education packs by holding a swift friendly assembly, or invite them in to deliver one;

· have boxes installed on their houses in swift hotspots (they do not make a mess or noise);

· join their group;

· plant wildflower areas;

· financially support others who cannot afford to buy seed, boxes or have boxes installed.

It feels like a long way until next spring, but it will be here before they know it so, please contact if you would like any advice, support or to let the group know that you have swifts nesting in your house.