Cromwell Bottom nature reserve, near Brighouse, has welcomed some new and very important visitors this year, as a group of swifts have made the reserve their summer home.
Cromwell Bottom is one of the most well-known nature reserves in Calderdale. It’s managed by Calderdale Council in partnership with the Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group, with both organisations working together for the benefit of local wildlife and visitors.
As part of conservation efforts at the site, a number of swift boxes were installed three years ago, to provide safe nesting spaces for these very special but threatened birds.
Swifts journey all the way from Africa to the UK every April and May. Sadly, they face challenges, like unpredictable weather and a decline in their insect food, whilst also losing suitable nesting spots. Swifts are on the Red List of conservation concern, the highest conservation priority, with swift populations declining by 62% between 1995 and 2021.
After two unsuccessful seasons, the staff at the Cromwell Bottom site have been working hard to encourage the birds to nest for the summer – even playing recordings of swifts to try and attract the birds.
This year their efforts have paid off, with swifts taking up residence at the reserve. Three of the nesting boxes are showing swift occupation – two of these with broods.
Visitors to the site have been able to spot the birds darting back and forth from their nests and enjoy their acrobatic displays.
It’s expected that the birds will remain at the site until early autumn, before heading south to Africa for the winter, a journey of around 3,400 miles!
As swifts tend to return to the same nesting sites each year, it’s hoped that the reserve will be able to welcome the birds again from next spring.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“Cromwell Bottom, outside Brighouse town centre, is one of the borough’s most important wildlife sites. The wetlands and meadows provide habitats for a variety of wildlife, including many insects and birds.
“Protecting the borough’s precious habitats and taking action to reverse wildlife declines is part of the Climate Action Plan for the borough. Alongside our passionate volunteer organisations, our countryside team works hard to look after existing habitats and create conditions to encourage wildlife to thrive.
“It’s wonderful news that a number of swifts have made their home at Cromwell Bottom this summer. These beloved, but endangered, birds have suffered from a lack of suitable nesting sites, so the team on site have installed specially designed boxes to provide safe nesting spaces for the birds and their chicks.
“This shows how taking seemingly small actions, can make a huge difference for nature. Everyone can play their part and there are lots of simple ways we can all support our natural environment and wildlife.”
To find out more about how you can help with conservation, visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/environment/sustainability/conservation-advice
The Council has also been further supporting the swift population by taking part in a project to better understand where swifts are living in the borough, in collaboration with the RSPB. People have been encouraged to log any sightings of swifts in Calderdale on a map (Swift Conservation: Take Part in Swift Mapper (rspb.org.uk)(external link)) this site also has ideas about how people can make their area more welcoming for these fast fliers.
The Calderdale Climate Action Plan has been developed in partnership with people and organisations across Calderdale and focuses on the steps needed between 2023 and 2026 to achieve Calderdale’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2038.To find out more, visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/environment/sustainability/climate-action-plan
To keep up to date with climate action across Calderdale, sign up for email updates at: Climate Emergency newsletter(external link)
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