Fwd: Swift boxes

[Bernard Killeen]

This was sent to me today. I have asked Lauren to drop in on Wednesday to let us know what she is looking for. 

Bernard

-------- Forwarded Message --------

Subject:	Swift boxes
Resent-Date:	Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:00:44 +0100
Resent-From:	ch...@derbymakers.co.uk
Date:	Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0100
From:	SavetheSwiftsLittleover <savetheswif...@gmail.com>
To:	ch...@derbymakers.co.uk

Hello Max,

I'd like to introduce myself as Lauren.  I'm in the process of hopefully setting up a swift conservation initiative in Littleover to help reverse the decline of this  species.  I'm working on this in collaboration with Derbyshire Swift Conservation.

I came across the Derby Makers website and thought about a potential partnership regarding swift boxes, since you have members that enjoy making things. 

I have dimensions for swift boxes and can provide details of the type of wood and a template.

Would you be available for an in person meeting to discuss further? 

I have attached a leaflet with details of a swift talk and walk that I have organised in order to raise awareness of swifts in Littleover.

Wild Wishes,

Lauren Widdowson

Save the Swifts Littleover 

savetheswif...@gmail.com

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[Al Johnson]

I guess they're after people to make nesting boxes for those who want to
put one up but can't make their own. The RSPB design uses 15mm exterior
ply, and is pretty simple.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-you-can-do/activities/create-a-high-home-for-swifts

It reminds me of the rotten bird box on the tree at the corner of our
shed base - I wonder how many others they put up at the same time, and
whether they want some more. The RSPB site has designs for different
species.

> *
> *
> *
> Save the Swifts Littleover *
> *savetheswif...@gmail.com*
>
>
>

[Bill Howcroft]

Bat boxes are fairly straightforward too.

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[Bill Howcroft]

https://www.bristolswifts.co.uk/swift-nest-box-design/

Black interior also Zeist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc9sixWM9Kg  

35,000 boxes made. 

Links to Model 30 plans

Uses 250mm uPVC fascia board for roof.

https://www.nestbox.co.uk/products/swift-hole-plate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UGabkKHyNg 

Uses glue & pins instead of screws.

Felt roof.

[Bernard Killeen]

Thanks Bill, I don't fancy making 40,000 of them!

For the group's benefit, Lauren is looking to develop local awareness of swift conservation before next year's season that starts early next year. She is involved with several conservation groups in the Derbyshire area and there are several swift colonies in Littleover. The loose plan is to use local resource to spread the word and get swift boxes installed in time for next year's arrivals. That will be from next April or so.

At this point we do not know what the box take up will be so we don't know how many boxes will be needed. The immediate plan is to demonstrate that we can make them and so I am pressing on with making one. Anyone else who wants to do the same is very welcome so that we can share ideas on how to produce them.

Lauren is also looking for funding and has approached Kelsey but not yet had a response. I will let Kelsey know and hopefully we can work as a team.

Cheers

Bernard 

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[Bernard(Home)]

I have made a swift box based on the zeist design and Lauren has seen it. She has taken it to show her contacts and ask for an appraisal. It looks ok and seems to fit the bill but it is a little time consuming to accurately cut out all the parts. I have made a fixture so that I can use a hand router to cut all the edges and it works ok. I am not too sure I would want to make more than say 10 of them though.

There are other options for obtaining boxes and I am sure we could think of better ways of making the piece parts.

To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/derby-makers/dbf7a07b-8317-42f9-92ed-8757ac2133cc%40Longlands.net.

[Bernard(Home)]

Lauren has asked that we confirm numbers for the Swift Talk & Walk on July 25th See attached. There is a numbers limit so I have said that there are three of us so far (Bill +1 and myself). If anyone else wants to book on to the talk can you confirm your interest.

Thanks
Bernard

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