An initiative to save Norwich’s swifts is part of wider work to boost nature and well-being across the city, says Norfolk Wildlife Trust conservation officer Robert Morgan
As you read this, our swifts, if they haven’t already done so, are preparing to leave the UK for their 4,000-mile journey to equatorial West Africa.
The swift is a rather enigmatic bird: chocolate brown, with sickle-shaped wings and a mastery of flight matched only by its nemesis: the hobby falcon.
Once you learn how to look for them, they become unmistakable.
They scream, like squadrons of jet fighters, through our villages, towns, and even Norwich city centre.
This close association with human-built environments has helped to endear them to us.
The swifts’ late but welcome arrival in spring, and sudden departure before the end of August, is a poignant reminder of how fleeting summer can be.
The swift is the subject of myths and folklore, many of which are, astonishingly, true.
If a swift lands on the ground, its short legs and long wings make it almost impossible for it to take off again.
They can fly around entire weather systems while feeding, and London swifts have been recorded, using tracking devices, flying to the Norfolk Broads and back again in a single day simply to feed.
Unlike any other British bird, swift nestlings can enter a torpor-like state if prolonged bad weather prevents their parents from gathering flying insect prey.
Incredibly, they eat, sleep and even mate in the air.
Despite their appeal and fascinating habits, swifts are in trouble.
The UK swift population has plummeted by nearly 70 per cent since 1995, and it is no surprise that this staggering decline has placed them on the UK Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern.
As with much of the decline in British wildlife, particularly among migratory birds, the reasons are complex.
Habitat degradation both here and on their wintering grounds, the loss of flying insects, especially in urban areas, and a lack of suitable nest sites are all contributing factors.
In response to the decline of urban swifts in Norwich, the Norwich Swift Network was formed in 2021 by local conservationist Caroline Spinks.
Caroline outlines the network’s aims: "Swifts return to the same nest sites year after year, so we work to protect existing swift colonies in Norwich.
"We have also campaigned for new homes to be fitted with swift bricks."
Norwich Swift Network provides practical assistance through the installation of swift boxes and offers advice to private homeowners, churches, and both public and commercial organisations on the actions they can take to make their buildings more swift-friendly.
Caroline also sees education as an important function of the network: "We involve local communities and encourage residents to create ‘Swift Streets’."
The network are also keen users of Swift Mapper, an app created by the RSPB, which enables members of the public to record swift nest sightings and contribute valuable data.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust is working with the Norwich Swift Network to raise awareness of city swifts as part of our new Wilder Norwich project.
Wilder Norwich is a three-year urban nature initiative led by us, in partnership with Norwich City Council.
It has become increasingly evident that interaction with the natural world benefits both our health and mental wellbeing, something that is particularly important for those living in urban areas.
As a result, Norfolk and Waveney Mind are also important partners in the scheme.
The £750,000 project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, aims to boost community well-being, climate resilience and wildlife by connecting habitats around NWT’s Sweet Briar Marshes, Mousehold Heath and Whitlingham Country Park.
Communities will help create linked habitats and pathways that enable wildlife to flourish and move more easily across the city.
The project also seeks to improve the mental health of Norwich residents through greater contact with nature, bespoke well-being activities and support for local environmental action.
NWT project lead Lee Cozins tells us more: "Wilder Norwich is all about listening to local people and supporting them to shape greener, healthier and happier neighbourhoods.
"By sharing stories and inspiring action, we hope to spark a ripple effect across the city, helping more communities connect with and care for nature.
"Our aim is for everyone to be able to experience and appreciate nature in our city, and to protect it."
"Nature recovery across Norwich will also benefit from a dedicated focus on different urban species each year, beginning with the city’s swifts this summer. It’s brilliant to be working with Norwich Swift Network to raise awareness of these wonderful birds."
Nature recovery across Norwich will also benefit from a dedicated focus on different urban species each year, beginning with the city’s swifts this summer.
It’s brilliant to be working with Norwich Swift Network to raise awareness of these wonderful birds.
Although swifts are now preparing to move south, it is not too late to record the location of a local swift nest or colony on Swift Mapper.
Further information on this, and on how you and your community can become involved in boosting nature in Norwich, please visit: www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/NatureNorwich.
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