Swift solutions - conserving Dorset's swifts

The future of one of the most iconic birds of summer is causing concern among conservationists. Swifts, with their spectacular aerial acrobatics and elfin screams, are a familiar sight and sound of summer, but for how much longer? The number of breeding swifts in the south-west has fallen by around 40% since the 1990s, with the decline thought to be because of the lack of available nesting sites. Now the Dorset Swifts project has been launched by Dorset Wildlife Trust in partnership with the RSPB, Dorset Environmental Records Centre and Swift Conservation, to help swifts before it is too late.

Swifts love Dorset towns

The plight of the swift is linked to its habit of nesting in the roofs and eaves of old buildings, many of which are being demolished or refurbished, closing off the nest sites. Relying on the availability of older properties, swifts are found mainly in towns, with Blandford, Bournemouth, Bridport, Dorchester, Poole, Sherborne and Weymouth having the greatest known concentrations. The project aims to improve understanding of the needs of swifts and build an accurate map of their locations across the county, appealing for sightings from the general public.

Report your sightings

Anna Muckle, Biodiversity Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “We would like people to think about swifts when planning new buildings or repairs to old ones, to see if they can make space for swifts. And if you live in a more modern building, why not put up a swift nestbox? It is also important that we know where swifts are at the moment, so please report your sightings on the website.”

Swifts, often confused with (but unrelated to) the similar looking swallows and martins, are now arriving in Dorset for the nesting season. They are remarkable for living their entire lives on the wing, except for nesting, and also for their short breeding season, which sees them departing from July for their winter homes in Africa.

How can I help

You can report swift sightings on the Swift website, and find information for householders, builders, planners and developers as well as advice on choosing and locating swift nestboxes. There is also a map showing swift records across Dorset, which will be updated following this season’s reported sightings. - you can also send your sightings of swift to us.