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
Meet The Team
Derbyshire Swift Conservation is run by a small and passionate team with expertise in wildlife conservation, community engagement and education.
Our Trustees
Andy Broadhurst
Trustee
Andy Broadhurst
Trustee
Matt Dale
Trustee
Matt Dale
Trustee
Mick Hardwick, resident of Duffield, Belper, Derbyshire became interested in swifts after he attended a talk by Andy Broadhurst in Rowsley soon after lockdown. He has since become a Trustee of Derbyshire Swift Conservation and is also Treasurer. In his home village of Duffield, they have a small following of 164 persons on social media and have involved the local senior school with swift nest box assembly clubs. This initiative has allowed him to address the Year 7 students at some form assemblies.
As a qualified Mechanical Engineer but now retired, he gets involved with the technical aspects of box building and installation and enjoys discovering new techniques to survey for the breeding colonies. Together with Andy he assisted with establishing the now, very active, Belper Swifts Group.
Mick Hardwick
Trustee
Mick Hardwick
Trustee
Mick Hardwick, resident of Duffield, Belper, Derbyshire became interested in swifts after he attended a talk by Andy Broadhurst in Rowsley soon after lockdown. He has since become a Trustee of Derbyshire Swift Conservation and is also Treasurer. In his home village of Duffield, they have a small following of 164 persons on social media and have involved the local senior school with swift nest box assembly clubs. This initiative has allowed him to address the Year 7 students at some form assemblies.
As a qualified Mechanical Engineer but now retired, he gets involved with the technical aspects of box building and installation and enjoys discovering new techniques to survey for the breeding colonies. Together with Andy he assisted with establishing the now, very active, Belper Swifts Group.
Carol Collins
Trustee
Carol Collins
Trustee
Our Staff
Claire Mead
Project Co-ordinator
Claire Mead
Project Co-ordinator
Charly Crump
Community Engagement & Communications Officer
Charly Crump
Community Engagement & Communications Officer
Jon B
Administrator
Jon B
Administrator
Our Impact
We're early in our journey, but in spite of this we've already made great strides in our mission.
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.
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
Contractors
We work with contractors to help ensure that existing Swift nests are protected during building repairs and renovations.
Homeowners
Developers & Housing Associations
We're thankful to everyone who's helped us along on our journey:
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.
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.
