European Swifts are now a red-listed species.
Their population has plummeted by 60% in the UK over the past 25 years, with 40% of that loss occurring in the last 10 years.
Swifts need us now more than ever.
We can protect Devon’s Swifts, with a method that works...
Supporting the Devon Swift Project will enable them to continue their vital work installing more nest chambers to support Swifts before the Swifts' arrival this summer.
Transforming Devon churches into Swift havens where the population can recover and thrive!
The Devon Swift Project delivered by Devon Birds aims to reverse the decline of these beloved birds, the Swifts, and ensure they continue to grace our summer skies for generations to come.
They are one of the projects supported by Devon Environment Foundation as part DEF's mission to protect and restore nature in Devon.
DEF has donated the first £5,000 to this campaign and we are aiming to raise a further £5,000 to enable the work planned for 2025 (learn more about DEF below or here).
Swifts have evolved for life on the wing, spending almost their entire lives airborne.
Yet, despite their resilience and adaptability, their numbers have plummeted by 60% in just 25 years due to habitat destruction.
These birds have long found refuge in the rooftops and crevices of our historic buildings, but modern construction and the 'tidying up of old buildings' means their traditional nesting sites are disappearing, leaving them without safe places to breed.
The brilliant team behind Devon Birds' Swift Project, are working to provide a solution by installing swift nest cabinets in churches.
These structures offer a stable, long-term nesting habitat, which help to secure the future of swifts in Devon!
With the support of local volunteers, conservationists and communities there has already been significant impact.
The Devon Swift Project has already achieved remarkable progress, installing 1,204 nest chambers across Devon, including an impressive 128 chambers at Exeter Cathedral—a landmark effort that will provide a haven for generations of swifts.
There have been installations in 38 churches to date, but with 620 churches across Devon, there is significant potential for expanding the impact.
We need to scale up this effort to support our swifts!
Beyond these installations, there have also been work done to raise awareness and work with our local communities.
Through public meetings attended by over 170 people, Devon Swift Project have fostered a sense of shared responsibility, hope and enthusiasm for swift conservation.
With a growing network of 'Swift Champions' (community volunteers) stepping forward to advocate for swifts in their local areas.
Despite these achievements, their is so much potential to expand and make Devon a leader in Swift conservation.
DEF has supported Devon Birds to continue delivering their successful 'Devon Swift project', installing more nest cabinets and audio lures in churches throughout the county.
The popularity of the project has ignited demand for replication throughout Devon.
With a dedicated team, ongoing installations, and strong community support, there is increasing demand to expand these efforts.
The overall aim is to kickstart many more swift colonies in towns and villages across Devon, to accelerate a recovery in population numbers, while inspiring people to think about how they can accommodate swifts in their own homes and outbuildlings.
Devon Environment Foundation has the vision of at least 30% of Devon ‘for nature’ by 2030.
We implement the vision by supporting grassroots projects that regenerate nature, especially those that can be replicated and scaled across the county.
We strongly believe that supporting local grassroots environmental groups like the 'Devon Swift Project' can make a positive impact and bring about long-lasting change.
Find out more about DEF on our website