---
title: What We Do | Derbyshire Swift Conservation
description: Discover how Derbyshire Swift Conservation protects nests, empowers communities, and uses data-led action to secure a future for Swifts across Derbyshire.
image: https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/hubfs/DSC%20320x132.jpg
---
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- [What We Do](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/what-we-do)
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- [Our Activities](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/our-activities)
- [Get Involved](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/get-involved)
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- [Share Your Swift Nest Sightings](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/nest-survey)
- [News & Events](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/news)
[Donate](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/donate?hsLang=en)
# Our Activities
Swifts are part of the fabric of summer in our towns and villages—but they are in decline.
**Our work is focused on reversing that trend through data-led conservation, community action, and practical intervention.**
We organise our core activities into three connected areas:
#### Direct Action
Protecting and creating nest sites
#### Community Action
Empowering people to take local action
#### Information Hub
Gathering and sharing knowledge
Together, these form a joined-up approach to Swift conservation across Derbyshire.
## Direct Action
**Protecting nests. Creating new ones. Influencing change.**
This is where conservation happens on the ground—through targeted, practical work to safeguard and expand Swift populations.
### Protecting Existing Nest Sites
**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.
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### Nest Boxes & Bricks
**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.
### Targeted Conservation Measures
**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
### Planning & Development
**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
## Community Action
**Local people making a real difference for their local Swifts.**
Swifts depend on people—and lasting conservation happens at a local level.
### Surveying Swifts (Citizen Science)
**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.
### Swift Champions
**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.
### Raising Awareness
**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.
### Supporting Local Action Groups
**In our role as connectors, we:**
- Help establish new local groups
- Support existing groups across the county
- Provide expertise, training, and practical help
### Community-Led Projects
**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.
## Information Hub
**Turning knowledge into action.**
We act as a central hub for data, expertise, and shared learning—supporting both local and wider conservation efforts.
### Understanding Swift Populations
**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
### Survey Methods & Best Practice
**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.
### Training & Support
**We provide:**
- Free training for surveyors and Swift Champions
- Guidance materials and resources
- Ongoing support for volunteers and groups
### Advice & Expertise
**We act as a trusted source of guidance by:**
- Advising on nest box installation
- Supporting planning and ecological processes
- Providing conservation best practice
### Data Sharing & Collaboration
**We work collaboratively by:**
- Maintaining county-level Swift records
- Sharing data with conservation partners
- Supporting regional and national initiatives
## Other Activities
**Supporting and sustaining our work.**
Our day-to-day includes activities that ensure we remain an effective and financially sustainable charity in support of Derbyshire's Swifts
#### Project Planning & Delivery
We ensure efficient and effective delivery of our mission with:
**Structured conservation programmes
Risk assessments and survey planning
Systematic coverage of towns and villages**
#### Communications
We engage with stakeholders and increase our reach through:
**Website, blogs, and social media**
**Publicity and local press**
**Outreach and engagement**
#### Funding & Fundraising
We secure funding to support:
**Nest box installations and subsidies**
**Survey and conservation work**
**Training and communications**
**Core running costs**
#### Governance
As a charity, we maintain strong foundations through:
**Strategic planning**
**Policies and procedures**
**Financial oversight**
## Our Approach
Everything we do follows a simple, effective cycle:
#### 1. Understand
Gather accurate data on Swift populations
#### 2. Engage
Empower communities to get involved
#### 3. Act
Deliver targeted conservation where it matters most
## Get Involved
Whether you want to survey Swifts, install a nest box, or become a Swift Champion—there’s a role for you.
**Together, we can secure a future for Swifts in Derbyshire.**
[Find out how you can help](https://derbyshireswiftconservation.org/get-involved?hsLang=en)
## Get Emergency Advice
**Do you think you’ve found a grounded swift or blocked nest?** We and our partners can help. Find out what to do next.
[Get Emergency Advice](https://www.hubspot.com/) [Get Help Identifying Swifts](https://www.hubspot.com/)
## **Our Founding Partners**
We could only exist with the support of our partners, and to them we are extremely grateful.
**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
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