Our Activities 

We identify and protect nesting locations, particularly where buildings are being repaired or redeveloped.

Accurate records allow us to intervene early and prevent the loss of active nests.

We increase nesting opportunities by:

• Installing Swift nest boxes (including church and community schemes)

• Supporting local groups to run installation projects

• Mapping and monitoring nest box uptake and success

• Offering subsidies or free installations where needed

Our survey data ensures boxes are installed where they will make the greatest difference.

Using survey and risk assessment data, we:

• Identify key colonies and high-risk areas

• Develop tailored mitigation strategies

• Work directly with property owners and housing providers

We work within the planning system to ensure Swifts are considered in the built environment:

• Reviewing planning applications and submitting recommendations

• Tracking local development plans

• Supporting verification of Swift-friendly measures (e.g. nesting bricks)

• Supporting the implementation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies

We support volunteers to:

• Locate and record Swift nest sites

• Monitor local populations year-on-year

• Contribute to a county-wide evidence base

We provide training, guidance, and support to ensure surveys are consistent and meaningful.

Our Swift Champions lead action in their communities. They:

• Coordinate local surveys

• Raise awareness

• Drive conservation projects in their area They are at the heart of our growing network across Derbyshire.

We inspire people to care about Swifts and take action through:

• Public talks (schools, councils, community groups)

• Events, fairs, and outreach

• Website content, blogs, and social media

• Educational materials and resources

Our aim is simple:to reconnect people with Swifts and show how they can help.

In our role as connectors, we:

• Help establish new local groups

• Support existing groups across the county

• Provide expertise, training, and practical help

We empower local groups to:

• Run nest box schemes

• Engage neighbours and local organisations

• Deliver conservation tailored to their area

This grassroots approach allows action to scale across the county.

To protect Swifts, we first need to understand them. We:

• Record nest and colony locations across Derbyshire

• Map population distribution

• Monitor colonies over time

• Assess long-term population trends

We develop and promote high-quality survey methods by:

• Testing and refining techniques

• Encouraging standardised approaches

• Sharing learning across networks

This ensures data is reliable, comparable, and useful.

We provide:

• Free training for surveyors and Swift Champions

• Guidance materials and resources

• Ongoing support for volunteers and groups

We act as a trusted source of guidance by:

• Advising on nest box installation

• Supporting planning and ecological processes

• Providing conservation best practice

We work collaboratively by:

• Maintaining county-level Swift records

• Sharing data with conservation partners

• Supporting regional and national initiatives