Bosses from a building and a scaffolding firm who were working on a property in Ramsgate have realigned the scaffold today (July 23) after concerns that Swift nests were being blocked.
Nature enthusiast Nik Mitchell raised the alarm at the weekend after discovering the birds would be unable to get into their nests, which they enter under soffits in holes around 30mm high x 65mm wide, meaning their chicks would starve.
Swifts are a red-listed species, which puts them among the birds of highest conservation concern. There has been a concerning fall in Swift numbers across the country in the last few decades, with numbers declining by 62% between 1995 and 2021.
In the UK, Swifts rely on buildings for nest sites, and lots of work has been done over the past decade to fit increasing numbers of nest boxes to buildings to help reverse their fortunes. This includes a campaign urging the UK government to mandate the use of Swift nesting bricks and boxes in all new housing developments.
Nik, who runs the Get Wild page on social media, alerted authorities and made efforts to contact the firms to get the nest sites cleared.
He said: “I’m really happy that finally, the scaffolding has been altered, allowing the Swifts to access their nest sites. Although it may be too late, at least lessons have been learned, and hopefully, this raises awareness of threats to a red-listed special species of bird in severe decline.
“We are also hoping for an opportunity to install some artificial Swift boxes on the building to help give them a boost in the future. This is the most important Swift colony in Ramsgate, and in recent years I’ve been doing all I can to help them.”
The RSPB was also alerted and has thanked the company for the removal of scaffolding from the Swift nesting site.
The charity is keen to remind the public that Swifts need access to fly in and out of their nesting sites in the summer and to urge local councils to give out advice on where Swifts nest annually.
The RSPB together with Action for Swifts, Natural Apptitude, Swift Conservation and the Swifts Local Network has developed Swift Mapper – a web-based mapping system and mobile app. By recording sightings of nesting Swifts, the public can build a picture of where their nest sites need to be protected and where new ones are needed.
Heather Richards, Senior Conservation Officer for the RSPB in Kent and Essex; “Thank you to the scaffolding company for meeting me on site in Ramsgate this morning, I’m glad we were able to work together towards a quick conclusion to this issue.
“A big thank you to Nik Mitchell for reporting this issue, we hope that this serves as a reminder on the importance of retaining and enhancing Swift nesting sites in the future.”
The owner of the building firm, which worked with scaffolders to rectify the situation, said: “As a respectful company we are working with the RSPB and delaying any works to these areas until they have told us all is ok.”
