SAW events in Derbyshire

UK Swift Awareness Week (SAW) 2026 is almost upon us! Here's a round-up of what's planned for Derbyshire so far:

Pre-Swift Awareness Week:

• Tuesday 23rd June:
  Hartington's Swifts 2pm - A talk from Mick Hardwick of DSC
  Hartington Village Hall
  Organised by Hartington Rural Social Group. Limited spaces available - if you are interested in attending please contact Liz Broomhead on 07900 054802 or liz@broomhead.net who will be able to confirm your place.

• Wednesday 24th June:
  Tideswell Swift Walk 8:30pm
  Meet at Fountains Square, Tideswell 
  A gentle walk through Tideswell stopping at several points to observe swifts. The event will include a talk about swifts and a chance to learn more about Derbyshire Swift Conservation's swift project in the Derbyshire Dales.
  Free event - no booking necessary
  Contact - Tideswell & District Environmental Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/394196491236274/
  

During Swift Awareness Week:

• Tuesday 30th June:
  

  Youlgreave Swift Walk 7:30pm - 9:30pm
  Meet Youlgreave Playing Field and Recreation Ground DE45 1WN
  A gentle walk through Youlgreave stopping at several points to observe swifts. The event will include a talk about swifts and a chance to learn more about Derbyshire Swift Conservation's swift project in the Derbyshire Dales.
  Free event - no booking necessary
  Organised by Youlgreave Swift Group
  Contact - Erica - ericafretwell26@gmail.com

• Friday 3rd July:
  Swift Stroll with Ant Pooles - (Duffield) 7:30pm - 9:30pm
  A moderate walk around Duffield with steps and bridge crossing approx 2 miles long but at a very leisurely pace. Numbers are limited to 35 to manage safety concerns -
  Well behaved dogs on leads welcome (no barking).
  Free event but donations welcome - booking essential - email sosduffield@gmail.com giving name and numbers
  Organised by SOS (Duffield)
  Contact - Mick Hardwick - mickhardclan@gmail.com 
  
  
• Free Swift walk with Bradwell Swift Group 8pm 
  Meeting at the café/public toilet area next to the Brook in Bradwell, Derbyshire.
  An opportunity to find out more about these amazing birds that bring joy to so many of us. All Welcome.
  Organised by Bradwell Swift Group.
  If you have any queries please contact bradwellswiftreports@gmail.com 
  
  
• Saturday 4th July: 

  Swift Walk around Melbourne 7:30pm - 8:45pm
  Meet Melbourne Market Place bus shelter Grid Ref SK386251 A gentle stroll (a Swift walk, not a swift walk!) around the Swift nesting area. Suitable for all ages. Walk is approx 1.2km with gentle inclines along pavements. Busy road crossings at start and finish. Led by Richard Winspear

  Free event - no booking needed
  Organised by Derbyshire Ornithological Society
  Contact - Richard Winspear 07908 025121    

It's not too late to organise an event in your local area! Get in touch if you are hosting a Swift walk in Derbyshire and we'll add it to the list! Email: info@derbyshireswiftconservation.org

Thanks to our volunteers Erica, Lyn and Kathleen, and trustee, Mick for organising 3 of the above events.

To find a national list of events go to:

https://actionforswifts.blogspot.com/p/saw-events.html

https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/swift-awareness-week