Give Bleasby Swifts a home

Bleasby Grasshoppers started this project early in 2023 with the aim of helping to stop the decline in Swift numbers in Bleasby and surrounding villages. We are working in conjunction with Southwell Swifts who have similar aims and objectives.

We've has a fantastic response to the recent notice board posters and Bleasby News article, with 18 residents now willing to add a box to their property and around 24 boxes being installed. Our aim is to install a total of at least 30 new Swift boxes around the parish over the next few years.

How can you help?

It's not too late to instal a nest box before the swifts arrive in May this year. Ideally the boxes should be on a north or east facing wall, 5 metres high, with no trees or wires to hinder access.

If you don't want to build or source your own, we have spare boxes left over from the 20 we purchased from John Stimpson (£25 each). He supplies Suffolk Wildlife Trust so we know the boxes are tried and tested.

Please email [email protected] if you'd like one or just to register your interest for the future. We've set up a dedicated WhatsApp Group to help share information and sightings and can provide help with fitting your box if required.

Helpful Information

There is a dedicated page on the Bleasby Community website with more information about the project: click here

Please visit the swift conservation website www.swift-conservation.org to find out all you need to know about providing a nest site for these remarkable birds.

The RSPB provide lots of useful info and there is an excellent app available to download called SwiftMapper where you can register and view sightings: https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/conservation/conservation-and-sustainability/safeguarding-species/swiftmapper/about-swifts/

For information about identification of Swifts, Swallows and House Martins, via the Wildlife Trust website.

Many thanks for your support