--- title: Home | Derbyshire Swift Conservation description: Support Derbyshire Swift Conservation to help protect swifts. Volunteer, donate, and learn how to support these iconic birds in their battle against decline. image: https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hubfs/DSC%20320x132.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org#main-content) [![Derbyshire Swift Conservation](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hubfs/DSC-Logo.svg "Derbyshire Swift Conservation")](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org?hsLang=en) - [Our Challenge](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/our-challenge) - [What We Do](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/what-we-do) Show submenu for What We Do - [Our Activities](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/our-activities) - [Get Involved](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/get-involved) Show submenu for Get Involved - [Share Your Swift Nest Sightings](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/nest-survey) - [News & Events](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news) - [Our Challenge](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/our-challenge) - [What We Do](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/what-we-do) Show submenu for What We Do - [Our Activities](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/our-activities) - [Get Involved](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/get-involved) Show submenu for Get Involved - [Share Your Swift Nest Sightings](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/nest-survey) - [News & Events](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news) [Donate](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/donate?hsLang=en) # Protecting Derbyshire's Swifts. # Together. **Hands-on conservation. Practical solutions. Community action.** [Get involved](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/get-involved?hsLang=en) [Donate](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/donate?hsLang=en) **50** Boxes Installed | **212** Enquiries Received During Spring/Summer 2026 we trialled a small scale roll out of around 50 nest boxes in select locations. We are rolling out the main phase of nest box installations during Autumn/Winter 2026 - we'll be in touch as soon as possible! **Seen a Swift on the ground?** It definitely shouldn't be there, so find out what to do next. [Grounded Swift Guidance](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-swift-on-the-ground?hsLang=en) ## **Our Challenge** Each summer, Swifts make a **14,000-mile round trip** from Africa to Britain to nest. For generations they have nested in the small gaps and cavities within our buildings. But as buildings are repaired and modernised, these spaces are disappearing. Unless we act to protect and replace them, **future summers may be missing the sound of Swifts overhead.** [Find out more about our challenge](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/what-we-do?hsLang=en) ## **What We Do**  Derbyshire Swift Conservation works to protect and restore Swift populations across the county—both directly with our stakeholders, and together with our communities. ![IMG\_9507 (1)](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_9507%20(1).jpg?width=2000&name=IMG_9507%20(1).jpg) ### Direct Action Working to preserve and create nesting sites with our partners across Derbyshire. ![Photo for blog-2](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo%20for%20blog-2.png?width=940&height=788&name=Photo%20for%20blog-2.png) ### Community Action Working within Derbyshire to connect and empower communities to make an impact ![Swift](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Swift%20photos/Robert%20Booth/20250614-DSC09150%20copy.jpg?width=2000&name=20250614-DSC09150%20copy.jpg) ### Information Hub Providing guidance and support to everyone interested in supporting our swifts. [Learn more about us](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/what-we-do?hsLang=en) ## Ways To   Get Involved Our communities are integral to our efforts, and we can’t do it without you. **Even the smallest action helps us make big impact.** - Become a **swift surveyor** - Install a **swift box or brick** - **Follow** our socials - **Support us** with a regular donation - Attend a **talk, walk** or **training session** - **Get advice** for renovations [Volunteer with us](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/get-involved?hsLang=en) ## Ways To   Get Involved Our communities are integral to our efforts, and we can’t do it without you. **Even the smallest action helps us make big impact.** - Become a **swift surveyor** - Install a **swift box or brick** - **Follow** our socials - **Support us** with a regular donation - Attend a **talk, walk** or **training session** - **Get advice** for renovations [Volunteer with us](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/get-involved-old?hsLang=en) ![20240517\_095157-1152x1536](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/20240517_095157-1152x1536.jpg?width=400&height=533&name=20240517_095157-1152x1536.jpg) ## **Our Events** We run events and training days to support our mission across Derbyshire all year round. Look out for one near you. [![](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hubfs/Tideswell%20Swift%20Walk%20v2%20(1).png)](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/tideswell-swift-walk?hsLang=en) 24 May 2026 ### [Tideswell Swift Walk](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/tideswell-swift-walk?hsLang=en) In 2025, Tideswell Swift surveyors counted 26 Swift nests in Tideswell village - an important process since unless we ... [Read more](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/tideswell-swift-walk?hsLang=en) [![](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hubfs/SAW%20graphic%20for%20blog%20(3).png)](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/swift-awareness-week?hsLang=en) 22 May 2026 ### [SAW events in Derbyshire](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/swift-awareness-week?hsLang=en) UK Swift Awareness Week (SAW) 2026 is almost upon us! Running from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 5 July, here's a round-up ... [Read more](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/swift-awareness-week?hsLang=en) [![](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hubfs/Saturday-9th-May-11.00-a.m-1024x750.jpg)](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/skydancer-day?hsLang=en) 27 April 2026 ### [DSC are heading to Attenborough Nature Reserve!](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/skydancer-day?hsLang=en) Derbyshire Swift Conservation are delighted to announce that we'll be hosting a stall at this year's SkyDancer Day at ... [Read more](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/skydancer-day?hsLang=en) [View upcoming and past events](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/tag/event?hsLang=en) *"Last night, after 9pm, was rather lovely for swifts above the village. There seem to be a regular seven or eight that hang out and scream together. This morning, they are wheeling and whirring away again, seemingly delighted by the humid, insect-laden air.* *As they break off into smaller groups of three, four or two, then rise, reform, break away and dive at speed, they make me think of the Red Arrows (seen so recently at Trooping the Colour). But the swifts really are swifter: more agile, more spontaneous, and leaving no visible trace in the sky.* *A whistling echo, a stunning swirl of air, a slicing streak of boomerang vectors, and an upturned face full of wonder."* *- Francesca (Bradwell)* ## **Record Your Sightings** Celebrate the return of our Swifts and add your own sightings and feelings—nests, screaming parties, single birds—to our Swift Spotter map. ## **News & Impact** Find out what we've been up to, our recent achievements, and read about new opportunities to get involved with our work. [![Chele Marriott with representatives of Bolsover District Council](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hubfs/Shirebrook%20Swifts%20meeting.jpg)](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/positive-steps-for-swifts-in-shirebrook?hsLang=en) 9 September 2026 ### [Positive steps for Swifts in Shirebrook](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/positive-steps-for-swifts-in-shirebrook?hsLang=en) [Read more](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/positive-steps-for-swifts-in-shirebrook?hsLang=en) [![](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hubfs/Barbaras%20Swift%20Bricks%20-%20Bretts%20photo%202%20edited.png)](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/a-home-thats-gone-above-and-beyond-for-swifts?hsLang=en) 29 July 2026 ### [A Home That's Gone Above and Beyond for Swifts](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/a-home-thats-gone-above-and-beyond-for-swifts?hsLang=en) [Read more](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/a-home-thats-gone-above-and-beyond-for-swifts?hsLang=en) [![](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hubfs/Nick%20Brown%20at%20Holkham-1.jpg)](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/celebrating-nick-brown?hsLang=en) 23 July 2026 ### [Celebrating Nick Brown's Legacy](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/celebrating-nick-brown?hsLang=en) [Read more](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/celebrating-nick-brown?hsLang=en) [See more of our recent news](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news/tag/news?hsLang=en) ## **Our Founding Partners** We could only exist with the support of our partners, and to them we are extremely grateful. [![DSCFounding Partner - Heritage Fund](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hubfs/DSCFounding%20Partner%20-%20Heritage%20Fund.svg "DSCFounding Partner - Heritage Fund")](https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/projects/derbyshire-dales-swift-project-keeping-swifts-our-landscape-future-generations) [![DSCFounding Partner - Breedon Group](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hubfs/DSCFounding%20Partner%20-%20Breedon%20Group.svg "DSCFounding Partner - Breedon Group")](https://www.breedongroup.com/sustainability) [![DSCFounding Partner - Derbyshire Dales DC](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hubfs/DSCFounding%20Partner%20-%20Derbyshire%20Dales%20DC.svg "DSCFounding Partner - Derbyshire Dales DC")](https://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/environment/climate-change) ### About the National Lottery Heritage Fund The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past. [View the DSC project page at TNLHF](https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/projects/derbyshire-dales-swift-project-keeping-swifts-our-landscape-future-generations). **Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the loop** [Sign up now](https://2fa4ej.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2pZT49CMRT5mRd2-jvy-7Ig) [mailto:info@derbyshireswiftconservation.org](mailto:info@derbyshireswiftconservation.org) - [Our Challenge](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/our-challenge) - [What We Do](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/what-we-do) - [Our Activities](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/our-activities) - [Get Involved](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/get-involved) - [Share Your Swift Nest Sightings](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/nest-survey) - [News & Events](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news) --- Copyright 2026 Derbyshire Swift Conservation | Registered Charity Number: 1206439 [Cookies](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/about/cookies?hsLang=en) | [Policies & Procedures](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/about/policy?hsLang=en)