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A group set-up to protect the few remaining swifts in Knaresborough has appealed for help finding new nesting sites.

Shan Oakes said the informal swift group was created four years ago “to stop swifts falling into extinction”. She added:

“Every year fewer come back. There were only about 12 in Knaresborough last year. We will be lucky to have any in a couple of years.

“It would be a tragedy to lose them. They are the sound of summer.”

“They are disappearing because people are either knowingly or unknowingly getting rid of their nests.”

Swift bird box

Two of the new boxes at Knaresborough Working Men’s Club.

Unlike other birds, swifts occupy nest sites rather than build their own. They therefore seek cavities in old buildings or nest boxes and the loss of many old buildings has been a major factor in their decline.

The group is therefore looking for people in Knaresborough and surrounding areas willing to put up nest boxes on their properties. The sites need to be high with an unobstructed flight path.

Knaresborough Working Men’s Club recently agreed to host four of the Knaresborough swift group’s RSPB nest boxes. Ms Oakes said:

“The building is ideal for them, as it’s high, giving them the swoop space they need . The swifts have now arrived here from Africa and will be searching for nest sites, as well as insects so please keep them in mind.

“The swift group is inviting people to offer space for swifts, so please get in touch if you think you have a suitable building.”

Ms Oakes said volunteers were willing to assess whether sites were suitable and to contact her on 01423549376 or 07769607710.

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