Homes for Swifts - A Derbyshire Dales Celebration

On Sunday 12th April, Derbyshire Dales Swift Project hosted a celebration of Swifts in collaboration with several organisations at The Whitworth, Darley Dale. A big thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday, 12th April, for our Swift celebration at The Whitworth, Darley Dale. It was a wonderful day of collaboration, and we were so pleased to see such a strong turnout from the community. 

The day was filled with engaging activities and informative sessions open to the public and included stalls with 27 representatives from:

• Derbyshire Dales Swift Project
• Derbyshire Dales District Council
• Derbyshire Bat Group
• Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
• Christine Gregory (writer)
• Penny Brereton (artist)
• Peak Boxes
• Sheffield Swift Network
• Tideswell and District Environmental Group
• Wilder Wirksworth

The Babbling Vagabonds created Swift puppets with younger visitors and performed two heart-warming theatre productions demonstrating the plight of Swifts and how to help a grounded Swift (see video here). 

Claire Mead - Project Officer for Derbyshire Dales Swift Project - gave a talk about the project's findings in the Old Library which was at capacity with 20 attendees representing Swift groups from across the area.

Edward Mayer gave a talk to a packed-out Ballroom with 90+ people attending to hear about his life's work to help Swifts.

In all over 130 people attended throughout the day and it couldn't have run as smoothly without the support of 12 of our fantastic project volunteers. A huge shout out to them!

Volunteer Erica said: “It was a fabulous day and great to see so many people enthusiastic about making a difference for wildlife. Thanks for all your hard work organising the event and for inspiring local people to get involved. It was lovely to meet other volunteers and to feel part of a network of support and enthusiasm for nature.”

A HUGE thanks to all the stallholders, activity and talk providers, volunteers and venue. The event was part of our successful funding bid to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Breedon Group to launch the Derbyshire Dales Swift Project, and wouldn't have been possible without their funding - a special thanks goes out to them.

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