{"id":53075,"date":"2023-05-18T14:10:02","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T13:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shefnews.co.uk\/?p=53075"},"modified":"2023-05-18T14:10:02","modified_gmt":"2023-05-18T13:10:02","slug":"sheffield-organisation-urges-homeowners-to-install-device-in-bid-to-prevent-swift-population-from-plummeting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shefnews.co.uk\/index.php\/2023\/05\/18\/sheffield-organisation-urges-homeowners-to-install-device-in-bid-to-prevent-swift-population-from-plummeting\/","title":{"rendered":"Sheffield organisation urges homeowners to install device in bid to prevent swift population from plummeting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An organisation is calling for homeowners to install a special brick to their homes in a bid to curb the decline of swifts in Sheffield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As more swifts lose their homes from housing developments, a new campaign wants homeowners to install ‘swift bricks’ to their outside walls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sheffield Swift Network is an organisation that aims to halt the decline of the swift population in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organisation is made up of individuals from across Sheffield who share surveys on where the birds are nesting, install specially designed swift homes and even help to rehabilitate injured swifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ann Ellis, a member of the network, said: \u201cThe group wants to conserve and protect the swifts that come to Sheffield and to hopefully increase their numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTheir numbers have declined by about 50% in the last 15 to 20 years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swifts pair for life and once they have a nest, it’s imprinted on their brain and come back to that same nest each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But developments on houses have meant the small gaps in the eaves of roof, where the swifts rear their chicks, are being covered when new insulation is being installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ann said: \u201cIf the nest has been blocked up, they will keep trying to get in, so quite often the swift will break its wings and die.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organisation wants to make homes more swift friendly and say the best way to do this is by installing \u2018swift bricks\u2019 which are specially designed homes that can be retrofitted into the brick work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jan-Erik Bullett, who helps the organisation install the bricks, said: \u201cIt probably seems quite daunting at first, but they are designed for DIY fitting. The company we use \u2018Action for Swifts\u2019 is very helpful and will even match up the colour of your brick.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Swift Brick that can be installed in the wall of the house<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The bricks cost between \u00a330 and \u00a340 and are easy to install with a few tools and some mortar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You won\u2019t even notice them moving in, as the swifts like to keep their nest clean and hidden from predators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a brick can\u2019t be installed on the property, Jan said that \u201cjust drilling a hole to the right shape in the plastic soffit will free up some nesting space, which will allow them access to where they traditionally nest\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jan-Erik Bullett installing brick – Photo by Ann Ellis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Network also rehabilitates swifts and there are steps you can take if you see one struggling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When handling a swift, make sure to wear gloves to avoid the spread of avian flu. Place it into a cardboard box and place a lid over the top with a few holes poked through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to give it some water, Ann said that \u201cthe best way is to dab a few droplets around the beak\u201d, do not try to force it to drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it is healthy enough to release, find an open field with no trees in the way and let the Swift fly from your hand. Do not attempt to throw it as that will disorientate it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Exhausted swifts have survived, who knows what, on their epic migration…. To be met by…blocked nest this evening. Heartbreaking scenes in Sheffield https:\/\/t.co\/BHwC7EIOb0<\/a><\/p>— Sheffield Swift Network (@SheffSwiftNet) May 4, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>