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 What We Do 

Working together to keep Swifts in Derbyshire's summer skies, now and for the future.

 

Swift populations are in decline, and a major factor is the disappearance of nesting spaces they depend on. Our work focuses identifying nesting colonies and conservation methods, on protecting & creating nest sites, and mobilising communities across Derbyshire to take action.

 Our Mission 

" To reverse the decline of Swifts in Derbyshire through data-led conservation, citizen science, community action, and the protection of vital nesting habitats. "

 Our Activities 

We work on the ground to protect & expand Swift nesting habitats, encourage & educate communities to take action, and conduct important research & provide resources to support Swift conservation.

Direct Action

Identifying and recording Swift nest sites

Supporting protection of colonies during building work

Installing swift boxes and bricks

Driving Swift-friendly planning decisions

Community Action

Supporting and connecting local Swift survey groups

Organising talks, walks and training events

Facilitating the reporting of sightings and monitoring of colonies

Providing support to set up new Swift conservation groups

Information Hub

Educating on Swift awareness and nest identification

Providing guidance for homeowners, contractors and developers for Swift-sensitive renovations and construction

Conducting research on Swift ecology and conservation

 Our Impact 

We're early in our journey, but in spite of this we've already made great strides in our mission. 

Locations surveyed
Swift nests found
Volunteers engaged
Person hours of activity
Swift Nests 2025 graphicArtboard 1

 Meet The Team 

Derbyshire Swift Conservation is run by a small and passionate team with expertise in wildlife conservation, community engagement and education.

Claire Mead

Project Co-ordinator

Claire Mead

Project Co-ordinator

Andy Broadhurst

Trustee

Andy Broadhurst

Trustee

Matt Dale

Trustee

Matt Dale

Trustee

Mick Hardwick

Trustee

Mick Hardwick

Trustee

Carol Collins

Trustee

Carol Collins

Trustee

Charly Crump

Community Engagement & Communications Officer

Charly Crump

Community Engagement & Communications Officer

As the operational backbone of Derbyshire Swift Conservation, Jon manages the charity’s administration, supporters, and website. Drawing on his professional background in campaigns and marketing, he handles much of the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting. Jon’s dedicated organisational support is vital to driving our local conservation efforts.

Jon Benson

Administrator

Jon Benson

Administrator

As the operational backbone of Derbyshire Swift Conservation, Jon manages the charity’s administration, supporters, and website. Drawing on his professional background in campaigns and marketing, he handles much of the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting. Jon’s dedicated organisational support is vital to driving our local conservation efforts.

 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 Get Help Identifying Swifts

 Working in 
 Partnership 

Swift conservation works best when organisations, communities and professionals collaborate, so we go out of our way to work closely with key stakeholder groups.

Conservation Organisations

We work alongside national and regional conservation groups to share knowledge and coordinate action.

Contractors

We work with contractors to help ensure that existing Swift nests are protected during building repairs and renovations.

Homeowners

Many Swift nesting spaces exist in private homes. We help homeowners protect existing nests, install swift boxes or bricks, and report sightings.

Developers & Housing Associations

New buildings can provide long-term nesting opportunities. We advise developers on incorporating swift bricks into new builds, and meeting biodiversity expectations in planning.

We're thankful to everyone who's helped us along on our journey:

Find out more about how to get involved

 Stories From Our Communities 

Bradwell Swift Close

Derbyshire Dales Swift Project installed 15 Swift Boxes on Swift Close in Bradwell, ready for our Swifts' return in May.

Huge thanks to @peakboxes and @savetheswifts for partnering with us to make this happen.

Read more stories from our communities

 Our Founding Partners 

We could only exist with the support of our partners, and to them we are extremely grateful.

 Our Founding Partners 

We could only exist with the support of our partners, and to them we are extremely grateful.

DSCFounding Partner - Heritage Fund
DSCFounding Partner - Breedon Group
DSCFounding Partner - Derbyshire Dales DC