A new partnership conservation project in Calderdale is helping to protect endangered birdlife.
Calderdale Council is working with the RSPB and Calderdale Bird Conservation Group on the Calderdale Swift Project, with support from Natural England. The project is helping to address the decline in the swift population and as part of this, free swift nesting boxes are being installed at homes across Calderdale, providing safe spaces for these very special but threatened birds.
Swift populations in the UK have declined by 62% between 1995 and 2021. This decline is primarily due to habitat loss, a reduction in insect numbers and shifting weather patterns. These factors have resulted in them being identified as a priority species, both nationally and in Calderdale, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect their future.
Swifts journey all the way from Africa to the UK every April and May. The loss of suitable nest sites is a major problem for the species. As part of the Calderdale Swift Project, residents were able to apply for a free nest box.
After being overwhelmed with interest from across the borough, the project is focused on two key areas of Todmorden and north Halifax. These areas have been identified using data from the RSPB’s Swift Mapper and the Calderdale Bird Conservation Group as key hotspots for swift activity in Calderdale.
60 nest boxes are now being installed at houses in these locations, providing swifts with somewhere safe to nest. By initially focusing on areas close to existing hotspots, it’s hoped that the swift populations will also be encouraged into neighbouring areas. Those elsewhere in borough who registered their interest will be contacted if it’s possible to expand the scheme at a later date.
The boxes have been funded by Natural England and installed by the Council with residents’ permissions, in positions most suited to encouraging and accommodating swifts. Residents have been consulted throughout the process and they will also be supported to monitor their box, to identify if it’s being occupied by swifts.
The project complements other initiatives elsewhere in the borough, for example, at Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve, near Brighouse, where swift boxes were installed three years ago. After two unsuccessful seasons, in 2024 the boxes were occupied by a family of swifts.
The birds remained at the site until early autumn before heading south for the winter. 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 this spring.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“Protecting the borough’s precious habitats and taking action to reverse wildlife declines is part of the Ecological Emergency Plan for the borough. By working together, we aim to make space for nature in our communities and partnership projects, like the Calderdale Swift Project, are a great way to pool our knowledge and resources to make a greater impact.
“It’s fantastic that so many people registered their interest in having a swift box on their property. This shows the passion that local people have for making a difference for nature and there are lots of simple ways we can all support our natural environment and wildlife.
“The 60 swift boxes being installed in Todmorden and Halifax are providing much needed nesting spaces for these endangered birds. I’m also hopeful that we’ll see a return of the swift to existing boxes at Cromwell Bottom, after a successful season last year.”
Natalie Le Brun, Senior Conservation Officer, the RSPB, said:
“Each year globe-trotting swifts migrate thousands of miles from the UK to Africa and back again. The only time they land is when they return for the UK summer to nest. Projects like this play a vital role in supporting the populations of these incredible species in our towns and cities. This project is a beautiful example of the community and local authority coming together and taking action for these charismatic birds that really need our help.”
Dr Rachel Palfrey, Nature Recovery Project Manager at Natural England, said:
“While they only spend around four months each summer with us, swifts are some of our most beautiful and charming birds. Sadly, like much of our urban wildlife, they are under pressure in the UK.
“Funded by Natural England, the Calderdale Swift Project is a great example of how we can help to address their current decline and learn valuable lessons on their behaviour and nesting preferences, which can then be applied to future actions to ensure their long-term survival.”
To find out more about how to help with conservation, visit new.calderdale.gov.uk/environment/sustainability/conservation-advice(external link)
The Calderdale Swift Project supports the Calderdale Ecological Emergency Plan and its key theme of ‘Making space for nature in our communities’. Local action will help wildlife thrive by creating spaces in our communities for birds, mammals and insects to live and move. Find out more at Calderdale Ecological Emergency Plan(external link)
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