UK SAW soars upwards and breaks all records - Update No. 9 at 20th June 2026
20 views
Skip to first unread message
Nick Brown
Jun 20, 2026, 5:58:35 AM (13 days ago) Jun 20
to swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
Hi Everyone,
With six days before UK SAW begins, there are now a record-breaking 116 events planned during the week with a further 25 before or after making 141 in total.
See them (and the UK map) at Action for Swifts: SAW events 2026
With six days before UK SAW begins, there are now a record-breaking 116 events planned during the week with a further 25 before or after making 141 in total.
See them (and the UK map) at Action for Swifts: SAW events 2026
And there's STILL TIME to set something up - we can add your event to the national list right up to (or even beyond) the 27th....
Massive thanks to everyone who has made the effort this year!
National publicity
A week of local events that's been running for eight years isn't really a story the media will bite on though we are trying to devise a suitable 'hook'.
BirdGuides, the highly popular birders' website, will carry an article on its News pages on Friday.
Local publicity
The success of your events will depend to a large extent on whether you can get local publicity.
If you've not contacted your local media yet, early next week is the time to do so. Weekly local papers will have early deadlines....
Local papers are always looking for stories so if you can find a 'hook' on which to hang your events that will work better.
So, something about your local swifts returning to their screaming ways once the weather warmed up and/or what your group has achieved would be good...plus something about swifts themselves:
The fastest small bird in level flight (75mph), amazingly brings back up to 1000 tiny insects in a big ball held in its throat, chicks can go into torpor if cold, linking them back to their reptilian ancestry, crazy screaming parties low over rooftops etc. and of course the threats they face.
Local radio is well worth trying, especially the BBC.
And there's social media as well of course.
Your county bird club and wildlife trust might put something on their events listing page on their websites and member emails and why not try your local RSPB group?
Leaflets in libraries and community centres, posters on garden gates, word of mouth....all these things will help to draw in new people.
National publicity
A week of local events that's been running for eight years isn't really a story the media will bite on though we are trying to devise a suitable 'hook'.
BirdGuides, the highly popular birders' website, will carry an article on its News pages on Friday.
Local publicity
The success of your events will depend to a large extent on whether you can get local publicity.
If you've not contacted your local media yet, early next week is the time to do so. Weekly local papers will have early deadlines....
Local papers are always looking for stories so if you can find a 'hook' on which to hang your events that will work better.
So, something about your local swifts returning to their screaming ways once the weather warmed up and/or what your group has achieved would be good...plus something about swifts themselves:
The fastest small bird in level flight (75mph), amazingly brings back up to 1000 tiny insects in a big ball held in its throat, chicks can go into torpor if cold, linking them back to their reptilian ancestry, crazy screaming parties low over rooftops etc. and of course the threats they face.
Local radio is well worth trying, especially the BBC.
And there's social media as well of course.
Your county bird club and wildlife trust might put something on their events listing page on their websites and member emails and why not try your local RSPB group?
Leaflets in libraries and community centres, posters on garden gates, word of mouth....all these things will help to draw in new people.
Good luck!
Nick/Peta
Ps. And be sure to use the SAW logo if you possibly can.
Nick/Peta
Ps. And be sure to use the SAW logo if you possibly can.
Gill Stacey
Jun 24, 2026, 3:48:33 AM (10 days ago) Jun 24
to 'Tim Norriss' via swiftslocalnetwork
Hi Nick and Peta
A bit late in the day, but we have a swift walk here in Stroud. Details attached:
Many thanks
Gill
Stroud Swift Group
<image.png>--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "swiftslocalnetwork" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to swiftslocalnetw...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/swiftslocalnetwork/CAFFeStL-DG6cQGB04FZ5Jj75dxu%2BsuN-1Nnv55zCNMBq_6j6Gw%40mail.gmail.com.
Nick Brown
Jun 24, 2026, 4:05:57 AM (10 days ago) Jun 24
to swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
Hi Gill
Should be but you will have to complete the registration form - it only takes 5 minutes?
Here's the link: https://tinyurl.com/SAW 2026 event registration .
Best
Here's the link: https://tinyurl.com/SAW 2026 event registration .
Best
Nick
To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/swiftslocalnetwork/2A0E5246-94A6-49E7-93C5-941C25ACC629%40btinternet.com.
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages