A group of volunteers who undertake surveys, offer advice on how to protect swifts and campaign for the installation of swift bricks in new-builds.
Swifts usually arrive in Kendal between early and late May. They come to our town to nest and only stay for a few short months each year before flying back to Africa – usually all departing by late July. Swifts return to the exact same nest site every year. This is why it is so crucial to protect any nests we have.
Young swifts, after fledging but before they are ready to breed, will begin to look for their own nest sites sometimes 2 years prior to returning with a mate. This is why ensuring new potential nesting locations is also vital for the bird’s survival.
The Kendal Swift Group is out every Monday evening at dusk to check on the nest sites in buildings (this year’s survey starts on May 12th). Each evening, the group wait patiently outside locations where they know the birds nest, hoping to see them return. All records are then uploaded to a national database.
Swifts prefer to nest in colonies, so if you live near an already established colony and would like to put up a swift box, please contact Kendal Swift Group for advice.
The best places to watch swifts in Kendal are Aynam Mills, Pixel Mill, Fellside Centre and Stockbeck Mill.
If you see a grounded swift, please call Ros from Kendal Swifts on 07980 325804 (or if Ros is not available then Sue Rowlands on 01768 484881)
Swifts are a red listed species, meaning they desperately need our protection. If you would like to help swifts, contact Kendal Swifts or see their website for more information.
Contact Information
Contact: Ros Taylor and Paula Davies
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @kendalswifts
Facebook: Kendal swifts group
