Wells Cathedral has stepped up to aid swift conservation by installing specially-designed nest boxes within the North West Tower, aiming to establish a new swift colony in the city. The move comes as these iconic birds face a worrying decline in numbers across Somerset and the UK.

Local swift experts teamed up with Cathedral staff this week to craft and install hand-made wooden boxes. The nest boxes have been designed to fit seamlessly around the internal architecture of the north tower, providing a safe haven for swifts without disrupting the historic building.

Swifts, known for their aerial acrobatics, have seen their numbers drop by more than 50% over the past 23 years. In Wells, just three swift nesting sites remain, a sharp decline from the 25 recorded some 40 years ago.

These birds are extraordinary flyers, spending nearly their entire lives in the air—eating, sleeping, and even mating while on the wing. They are also the fastest birds in level flight, reaching speeds of up to 69mph.

Swifts are summer visitors to the UK, with the south of England being a key region for them. After wintering in Africa, they undertake a 3,400-mile migration twice a year, stopping off in places like Portugal and France. Once they return to the UK, their primary focus is on finding a mate and nesting. Swifts pair for life, returning to the same nesting site each year to renovate their nests and raise their young.

However, the loss of nesting sites due to building renovations and sealed roof gaps has contributed to their addition to the Red List in the 2021 UK Conservation Status Report. This indicates that swifts are now a species of high conservation concern.

By installing the nest boxes, Wells Cathedral is providing much-needed support to the swift population, offering them a place to rest and raise their families. This initiative is part of a broader effort to help revive swift numbers in Wells and the surrounding area.

Simon Nash, an environmental consultant, highlighted the importance of this project, stating that swift conservation is critical given their rapid decline. He added that the Cathedral's efforts could serve as a model for other communities looking to protect these remarkable birds.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for these new swift boxes and to learn more about the steps being taken to protect one of Somerset's most beloved bird species.