Aylsham Swift Group aims to build better future for migratory birds

And now fears have been raised for the future of swifts, which are facing a steep decline in numbers.

The Aylsham Swift Group - which was set up last year - is aiming to make the town more attractive for the birds by protecting nesting sites and creating new ones.

An example of a swift brick (Image: Newsquest)

Group member Tracy Brighten said they even wanted Broadland District Council to make ‘swift bricks’ as well as bat boxes and hedgehog highways requirements for planning approval of future developments. 

She said: “If we don’t act now, these incredible birds will disappear from our skies and our homes across the UK.

“Swifts have existed as a species far longer than humans, yet these enduring birds now face fewer places to nest and fewer insects to eat.

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A swift in flight (Image: Newsquest)

“From talking to local people about sightings and nests, there are fewer swifts in Aylsham this year than in previous years.”

No other bird can fly faster than a swift in level flight - they have a top speed of 69mph.

They have one of the longest migratory journeys in the world - flying up to 14,000 miles a year between southern Africa and the British Isles.

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Caroline Spinks of Norwich Swift Network helped design and install swift nesting boxes at Aylsham Parish Church, which were made by local cabinet maker Carey Whiteman. (Image: Tracey Brighten)

The Aylsham group was set up by Pat Grocott last year in an effort to raise awareness of the birds.

Ms Brighten said swift boxes had recently been set up at the town’s parish church, and Ms Grocott was keen to raise awareness of the birds in schools, and among tradespeople, who can help swifts by installing swift bricks and cutting gaps in eave combs. 

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Eave combs in place below roofing tiles - nesting spots for swifts can be made by cutting a few holes in them (Image: Supplied)

Ms Brighten said: “Like swallows, swifts are superfast, but unlike swallows, swifts don’t perch, so people may not notice them.

"Swifts are plain birds with dinosaur-like features, which may make them less endearing than colourful birds, such as the bee-eaters in Trimingham that have gained nationwide attention.”

Winnie the swift, who was rehabilitated by Caroline Spinks of Norwich Swift Network (Image: Caroline Spinks)