Swift Project

Like many people, swifts are finding that good homes are in short supply. Traditionally they have always nested in the holes in our roofs and walls but recently we're getting too tidy and many swifts are finding themselves nest-less.

We are keen to support our local swift population to grow by ensuring they have enough nesting sites. They prefer to nest around an existing colony (ours is centred around Grierson Crescent and Grierson Gardens) and need to be high up with clear access for flying in. Nest boxes must be shaded or north facing so the chicks don't get too hot.

If you think you might have a good spot for a swift nest box, please fill in this handy form or contact Katie on Katie@grantoncommunitygardeners.org.

Swifts eat tiny flying, or floating, creatures high up in the air. Each swift needs around 100,000 beasties a day! Often these are tiny spiders floating using strings of silk, or flying aphids and midges.

The catastrophic drop in these wee creatures means that all our bug-eating birds are going hungry and fewer chicks survive in the nest. 

Feeding swifts is more complicated than putting up a birdfeeder, but is good for all other wildlife too!

1. Plant a diversity of flowering plants, perhaps wildflowers and leave some of your grass long

2. Use no poisons or sprays in your patch - watch the wee beasties move in and allow the aphids to breed (eek!)

3. Sit back and watch the birds and other insects munch on your patch - if you're lucky, you may see some float on up to swift level and make it into someone's lunch.

You'll notice that the council have been leaving some areas of long grass in Granton - these patches are shown to have masses more life than short grass!