County Hall bird box project to help fight decline of the swift

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County Hall bird box project to help fight decline of the swift
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Bird boxes have been installed at County Hall in Haverfordwest to help tackle the decline of the swift, a much loved summer visitor to the UK.
The Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership (PNP) purchased the boxes as part of a project fully funded by a Welsh Government Local Places for Nature grant.
In total, 46 swift boxes have been installed, with the work undertaken by the Council’s arborist team.
The UK swift population has declined by 60% in the last 30 years and the swift is now on the UK red list of Birds of Conservation Concern.
While the exact reasons for the decline are not fully understood, a reduction in suitable breeding sites is likely to be a contributing factor.
In the UK, swifts predominantly nest in holes in buildings, which modern buildings rarely provide unless they are incorporated into the design.
In addition, existing nesting opportunities in older buildings are becoming increasingly scarce as they are lost when the buildings are refurbished.
The PNP swift box project aims to provide breeding opportunities for swifts while also enhancing the biodiversity value of County Hall and the surrounding area.
In addition to installing the swift boxes, the PNP are creating insect friendly habitats at County Hall and in the wider environment through changes to mowing regimes and habitat management practices.
These actions aim to boost the insect population in Pembrokeshire, on which the swift depends on for food.
It is hoped that the swift boxes will begin attracting prospecting birds next year and that swifts will begin nesting at County Hall from 2026 onwards. A number of swift call speakers have also been installed which will broadcast calls, out of office hours, during the breeding season to encourage swifts to investigate the boxes.
Cllr Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Planning & Regulatory Services, said: ““This is a worthy initiative, supporting one of Britain’s most loved yet sadly threatened summer birds.
“I’d like to thank the council’s planning service and the Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership for securing the funding for this project, which is part of the authority’s duty under the Environment (Wales) Act to enhance biodiversity.
“I look forward to the swifts returning and hopefully seeing them use these boxes in the future.”

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