TWENTY-FIVE nest bricks have been installed to help boost the declining swift population in Battle.
The initiative is being carried out by local housing provider, Southern Housing, at St Martin’s Independent Living, in Martins Way.
As well as boosting swift numbers, it is also a part of the organisation’s wider biodiversity efforts.
The bricks will provide safe nesting sites, helping to increase the number of swifts in the area.
A celebration of the exciting project was held on June 18, with attendees including the Battle Town Mayor, Councillor Andrew Barton, and Kim Overington, a resident whose campaigning was key in bringing the project to life.
Kim said: “Who can fail to be enthralled by the sight of swifts. Their sickle-like wings and screaming voices denote summer has arrived here in the UK.
“However, climate change, loss of nesting sites and reduction in food sources are among the reasons they are now at risk.
“Southern Housing kindly gave permission to install these nest bricks and I’m hopeful we’ll see even more support for these red-listed birds in the future.”
Councillor Barton added: “I’m hoping that the installation is the beginning of something much bigger.
“It’s really helped me learn much more about swifts and I think I’ll probably have a swift box at home.
“The work of the residents here at St Martins, alongside Southern Housing and everyone else involved, will hopefully preserve swift lives in Battle for years to come.”
Kerry Briffitt, biodiversity and sustainability lead at Southern Housing, added: “The swift is one of 30 species we’re focusing on as part of our commitment to nature recovery and stop biodiversity decline across our land ownership.
“We’re delighted to offer swifts new nesting sites and will continue to look for opportunities to support swift colonies through reinvestment and retro-fit projects.”
Action for Swifts, a leading organisation that carries out research, education and conservation efforts to preserve swift numbers, guided Southern Housing in this project.
Southern Housing has been working closely with residents on its sustainability strategy and they created the Biodiversity Pathway 2030 document which priorities nature recovery and habitat enrichment.
The installation of swift bricks was completed by decorating company, Colours, which specialise in cyclical maintenance, refurbishments, structural and ground works.
Sean Edmunds, director at Colours, said: “We were inspired to supply and install swift bricks free of charge on a building where we had recently replaced the roof as part of our commitment to community enrichment and environmental stewardship.
“By providing these swift bricks, we not only support the conservation of this remarkable species but also enrich the local biodiversity.
“Through such initiatives, we hope to inspire others to take small yet impactful steps towards preserving our shared environment.”
Ian Donovan, founder and chairman at Hastings and Rother Swift Conservations Group, added: “One of our followers contacted us when scaffolding went up adjacent to a nationally important swift colony in Battle.
“We immediately saw an opportunity and went about sourcing information as to the building’s owners.
“These bricks offer security to the adjacent colony if anything negative was to happen to their nest site, but immediately allows them to expand out into St Martins.”
