Exeter Swift Project

In 2010 Devon Wildlife Trust in partnership with Exeter City Council and the RSPB launched a new project to highlight the plight of swifts in Exeter.  We asked Devon Wildlife Trust members to listen out for swifts and send their sightings to us.  This information is being used to map the presence of swifts in Exeter.  The map will help us to identify parts of the city where the introduction of new nesting sites will help maintain, and we hope increase, the numbers of swifts.  

In 2011 the swift project received £27,000 from the Alcoa Foundation to help progress the project.  This helped us to work with more people, create new nesting sites around the city and get more people involved in the 2011 swift survey. 

2011 survey

Almost 400 records were received from members of the public over the summer, nearly 100 of these were nest sightings around the city.  This is a great response with exciting results.  We now know more about where swifts prefer to nest in Exeter which will help us to concentrate nest creation sites in the future.

Swift boxes

120 boxes were installed or had been committed by the end of October 2011 with many more expected in new buildings as they're built.  Boxes have been placed on 11 schools, the University of Exeter, private homes and several Exeter businesses.

Swift Sunday event

DWT held an event at Cricklepit Mill on Sunday 15 May 2011.  Staff and volunteers made dozens of swifts boxes during the day and many people attended and found out more about how to help swifts. There are now a limited number of swift boxes available to anyone around the city that might have space for a box. If you would like a box please contact Emily Stallworthy on 01392 279244.

Supporting wildlife conference

A conference was held at the University of Exeter on 19 October that highlighted the importance of supporting wildlife in the urban environment.  Broadcaster Nick Baker and Swift Conservation's Edward Mayer were guest speakers at the event.  About 300 students, academics and professionals (planners, architects and consultants) attended or watched the conference via video link. To view the presentations please click here.

Swifts at school

Schools around Exeter have been helping swifts by putting up nest boxes around their grounds.  Students have also helped to design posters and develop their own research projects all about swifts.  Ladysmith Juniors ran a competition to see who could come up with the best swift facts and stories.  They came up with some great ideas!

Swift Academy Game

Join the Swift Academy to learn the essential skills to becoming a successful swift!  From flying thousands of miles, finding a mate and building a nest, here you'll earn your wings to become a fully fledged swift.
Start playing now!

2012

Over the coming year the project will continue to provide advice on helping swifts in Exeter.  We will be working with those who installed boxes to monitor their use and help attract swifts to them by playing swift calls (swifts nest communally and so are attracted to new nest boxes through the use of swift calls).  The project will also look to work closely with community groups to help survey and monitor nest sites and screaming parties around the city.

More information
For more information on swifts and find out how to differentiate between swifts, swallows and house martins: http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/species/Swift/