Exciting news – Swift boxes at Hertford URC and Broxbourne URC, Summer 2024

Swift numbers have declined by 62% since the mid 90’s. One reason for this decline is that many of their traditional nest sites, in gaps and crevices under tiles and in the eaves of houses, are being lost when buildings are improved. Modern buildings are built to be airtight and keep birds out from the start.

Swift boxes can help displaced birds and those returning to breed for the first time. In time, we hope Swifts can recolonise nearby areas where they bred in the recent past

The South East Herts RSPB Group raised £10,000 via a Crowdfunder last year and, working with the Hertford Swift Group, are aiming to erect circa 200 nest boxes in their area.  Swift boxes have been installed in Hertford and Ware, and are now being installed in Cheshunt, Broxbourne and Hoddesdon.

Churches are a good habitat for Swifts to nest in. At Hertford URC, 6 Swift boxes have been installed high up on the outside of church hall, where the birds are safe from cats and other predators. 4 Swift boxes have also been mounted on the outside of Broxbourne URC.

Swifts can live for 15 – 18 years and do not breed until they are 3 or 4 years old. They arrive each year in May and depart back to the Congo region of Africa in August. These visitors from Africa can fly at 70 miles an hour, the world’s fastest bird in level flight, and most never touch the ground, only landing at their nest sites to breed. They even sleep and mate on the wing climbing high at dusk to avoid predators. They are able to switch off half of their brain so that one side sleeps whilst the other stay alert.

Screaming flocks of Swifts in towns and villages comprise mainly juvenile birds who are prospecting for nest sites to use when they are old enough to breed. They scream as they fly past an existing nest site from which an inhabitant will call back to say ‘go away, this is my nest’. If there is no response they will remember the nest site for when they can breed.

Stan Kitchiner, Group Leader SE Herts RSPB Group
Dorothy Blatcher, Secretary SE Herts RSPB and Elder, Broxbourne URC
Fran Spence Hertford URC