Housing association installs Swift boxes during renovation works
North Wales' largest housing association Adra, in partnership with North Wales Wildlife Trust, are installing swift boxes on a Bangor housing estate whilst undertaking external renovation works.
Working with the appointed main contractor W.F. Clayton Ltd and the residents of Toronnen, the North Wales Wildlife Trust has provided special swift nest-boxes, which have been fitted within the external wall insulation on the properties.
Sara Williams, Project Manager at Adra said: “We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with North Wales Wildlife Trust and as a result being able to help the swifts survive and flourish within the Bangor area where we are improving the quality and appearance of our homes.”
Ben Stammers, North Wales Wildlife Trust's swift action project officer says: “the boxes replicate the kind of cavity spaces swifts already nest in, and will hopefully create opportunities for the Toronnen swift population to expand.
“Swifts are the fastest birds in level flight, and spend nearly all their lives on the wing. They travel back from Africa every year to nest, but sadly, swifts are now one of the most declined species of birds in Wales (72% down since 1995), and are disappearing from many towns and villages. In Bangor, there are only a handful of sites where they still nest, and their last stronghold is the Toronnen/Coed Mawr area.
“I’ve been so encouraged by the response of the residents, people really seem to value these amazing high-speed birds, and want to help them by hosting the boxes. Let’s hope with these extra nesting options, more swifts can enliven the summer skies above Toronnen in the future.”
More information about North Wales Wildlife Trust’s conservation project can be found at: Swift Conservation Project.
12 December 2023
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