The Swift Local Network (SLN) is an informal body comprised of over 130 Swift groups located...
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UK Swift Awareness Week (SAW) 2026 is almost upon us! Running from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 5 July, 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:
- Saturday 27 June - Saturday 4 July:
Rowsley Well Dressing
All week at the well by the Peacock Hotel, Church Lane, Rowsley, DE4 2EA
Every year in Derbyshire, villages across the county carry out the unique Derbyshire tradition of 'dressing' the wells to give thanks for both the blessing of water and also to celebrate local themes. This year, Rowsley's community have chosen to celebrate their Swifts. As we celebrate this year’s Well Dressing, we also celebrate the wildlife that makes Rowsley unique.
Rowsley is one of Derbyshire’s most important locations for Swifts, with 66 active nests recorded last year. Colonies on Chatsworth Road, Church Lane and the Grouse & Claret make the village a special stronghold for the species. Come and view this remarkable piece of local art and tradition, and enjoy our wonderful Swifts calling in the skies above. All money raised from viewers and admirers will help Derbyshire Swift Conservation buy and install homes for Swifts across the Dales, giving these remarkable birds a safe place to nest for years to come.
Free event, no need to book. - Sunday 28th June:
Swift Community Walk 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Meet Shirebrook Village Hall Car Park, Park Road, Shirebrook NG20 8JP
Join us for a guided swift walk. Learn about all about swifts. We'll look out for swifts and locate nests, whilst walking around the local area. Discover, protect and help swifts thrive in our community. All ages welcome (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). Lead by Chele, founder of Shirebrook Swifts.
Free event - no need to book
Organised by Shirebrook Swifts
Contact - Chele 07586278372 - Monday 29th June:
Hathersage Swift Talk 7:30pm
Meet at the Café upstairs at 'Outside' Main Road, Hathersage, S32 1BB.
A talk about the Derbyshire Dales Swift Project and what's happening in Hathersage followed by a walk to see Hathersage's Swifts (weather dependent).
Free event, no booking required (though encouraged: Eventbrite)
Contact: info@derbyshireswiftconservation.org - 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 - Thursday 2nd July:
Let's Talk Swifts 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Chinley Community Centre, 21 Lower Lane, Chinley, High Peak SK23 6BE
This event will be an introduction to how to help swifts. There'll be boxes and bricks to look at. We'll talk about how to survey for swifts so as a community we can work out how best to support them by installing boxes in the right place. This is an opportunity for us to pool our existing knowledge and make a plan. We'll finish the evening by going outside and looking for swifts. Talk leader is swift enthusiast Deborah Pitman.
Free event - no booking necessary
Organised by Nature New Mills
Contact - Deborah Pitman debspitman@hotmail.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 - Let's Talk Swifts 7:00pm - 9:00pm
89 Market Street, Chapel en le Frith, High Peak SK23 0JD
This event will be an introduction to how to help swifts and update on the first year of the Chapel Biodiversity Group Swift Project. There'll be boxes and bricks to look at. We'll talk about how to survey for swifts so as a community we can work out how best to support them by installing boxes in the right place. This is an opportunity for us to pool our existing knowledge and make a plan. We'll finish the evening by going outside and looking for swifts. Talk leader is swift enthusiast Deborah Pitman
Free event - no booking necessary
Organised by Chapel Biodiversity Group
Contact - Deborah Pitman debspitman@hotmail.com
https://chapelbiodiversity.blogspot.com - Belper Swift Walk 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Meet Coppice car park (free), Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ
Mick Hardwick and Belper Swifts lead an information walk about fabulous swifts through Belper’s nature reserve and streets. Sturdy footwear recommended, leisurely paced short stroll. 35 attendees maximum.
Free event but donations are welcome - booking is necessary via email to belperswifts@gmail.com
Organised by Belper Swifts
Contact - belperswifts@gmail.com - Saturday 4th July:
Swift Community Walk 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Meet Shirebrook Village Hall Car Park, Park Road, Shirebrook NG20 8JP
Join us for a guided swift walk. Learn about all about swifts. We'll look out for swifts and locate nests, whilst walking around the local area. Discover, protect and help swifts thrive in our community. All ages welcome (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). Lead by Chele, founder of Shirebrook Swifts.
Free event - no need to book
Organised by Shirebrook Swifts
Contact - Chele 07586278372
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.
These events are part of a nation-wide initiative. 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
