Re: [SLN] Digest for swiftslocalnetwork@googlegroups.com - 4 updates in 3 topics

[Reg Hesketh]

Here in Burton in Kendal we installed swift boxes in the church tower last year. After the swifts had left we found nesting material and so hope that this year swifts will use them.

A previous attempt had been prevented by the architect. Since then the church policy has changed at national level and a new architect has not objected.

A chance meeting with the vicar was the start of the process. We were fortunate that a member of our group climbed the ladders each week to wind the clock. He undertook the installation, including a solar powered caller system, with the approval of the churchwarden, the vicar and the diocese. The costs were covered by our area organisation, Swifts in the Community. 

I have attached details of the installation.

Reg Hesketh

On Tue, 21 Apr 2026 at 07:58, <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

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• urgent call for network rail to unblock nests - 1 Update
• Church Buildings - 2 Updates
• Swift return - 1 Update

urgent call for network rail to unblock nests

Mike Priaulx <michael...@yahoo.com>: Apr 20 09:36PM +0100 Hi all,   Just confirming that over 20 groups and individuals from the SLN have emailed Network Rail and either let me know or copied me in (and I know some others replied independently).   Thanks to everyone, apologies I've not had a chance to reply to most of you but I've got your message on record in case anyone ever needs it!   I think Jeremy may possibly be on holiday (recently booked!??) but you can still send an email to his account - matters are progressing in his absence.   All the best, Mike   Member of SLN Swifts & Planning Group ⁣

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Church Buildings

Banstead Swifts <banstea...@gmail.com>: Apr 20 09:57AM +0100 Dear all   I am pretty sure this has been raised before.   I have a meeting this week with a church that is keen to have a swift nest box (sponsored by a really lovely local business we suggested it to).   I am aware that this will be a long process to see if we are given approval so we are looking to next year for any install, if successful in approval.   Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on supporting a church to go through this process and also on the considerations on what and where to fix nest chambers? We are right at the beginning of the process.   I have already seen a solar powered call system which may be helpful.   I think Edward came and gave a talk at this church in Banstead village around 7 years ago.   Best regards Annie & Barry

Machynlleth & District Swift Group <machs...@gmail.com>: Apr 20 07:33PM +0100 Hi Annie and Barrie,   We recently installed swift nesting units in our local church bell-tower. They were made for us by Jerry Horn from Devon Swift Project. He was extremely helpful through the whole process. Jerry has made and installed boxes on over 60 churches in Devon. He is the man to contact for advice. As you are aware such a project will need approval of the archdeacon covering your diocese. I think you will probably find that they will be accommodating. I would suggest you draw up a detailed plan of your intentions. Our church even installed a couple of electrical plug sockets to power a swift caller on a timer and hopefully in the future to power up a nest box camera. Get the local vicar on your side and go from there. Good luck!   Elfyn Machynlleth & District Swift Group           On Mon, 20 Apr 2026 at 09:57, Banstead Swifts <banstea...@gmail.com> wrote:

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Swift return

Nick Bentham-Green <nickbent...@hotmail.com>: Apr 20 11:44AM Our first swift seen yesterday, that's 2 days earlier than '25.   Nick   SE Cornwall   Sent from Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg> ________________________________ From: rowena.quantrill via swiftslocalnetwork <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2026 8:29:17 PM To: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> Subject: [SLN] Swift return   First Swift reported returned to a nestbox near Bradford on Avon two weeks earlier than usual Rowena Bradford on Avon Swift and House Martin group       Sent via BT Email App   -- 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<mailto:swiftslocalnetwork+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com>. To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/swiftslocalnetwork/26e3b48f.8f7f7.19da737fe93.Webtop.48%40btinternet.com<https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/swiftslocalnetwork/26e3b48f.8f7f7.19da737fe93.Webtop.48%40btinternet.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.

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