Re: [SLN] Digest for swiftslocalnetwork@googlegroups.com - 18 updates in 6 topics

[Julie Cowley]

Is there anything the SLN can do as a collective for the Dorking swift catastrophe?  If you can share contact details of the CEO and Surrey Police I will willingly write to them.

Very sad news indeed.

Julie

On Sat, 30 May 2026 at 07:58, <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

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• Wildlife Crime at Regent House, Station Approach, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1TH - 8 Updates
• Swifts and monogamy - 3 Updates
• Nest box cameras - lighting - 3 Updates
• Iroko hardwood / African Teak - 2 Updates
• Swift calls - 1 Update
• [No Subject] - 1 Update

Wildlife Crime at Regent House, Station Approach, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1TH

Banstead Swifts <banstea...@gmail.com>: May 29 11:27AM +0100 We have emailed the CEO of Clarion Housing Group and cc''d all of the Development Board Members and the Horley and Dorking MP, Chris Coughlan   +++++++     Dear Clare   We are contacting you to make you aware of a wildlife crime that has occurred at the above Clarion Housing site.   A local resident has been in contact with us for a few weeks regarding swifts nesting in this building. At the time no work had commenced. However she had to witness a very upsetting incident on her own, on 27 May 2026.   Regent House, by Dorking Station was an empty office block. It had been since at least around 2021/2022.   It was also home to a large colony of the common swift, apus apus.   When Clarion Housing applied for redevelopment of this site in 2022, Mole Valley Council had at least 7 submissions from the Swifts Local Network in regard of the swift colony that nested in the building and that is documented. Mitigation appears to have offered just 1 swift brick.   This site was monitored by Dorking Swifts for a few years and also Reigate Swifts, of which I understand carried out swift surveys and also took many photos of the established colony in Regent House. It is an undisputed fact that a large swift colony nested in this building and much information was made available in the planning process and Clarion Housing were aware.   Now, we are in 2026 swift nesting season. The local resident had flagged up that swifts were entering Regent House throughout May to us and to other swift conservationists. She returned this week to find the building partially demolished, where she saw swifts enter, now rubble on the ground.       *Clearly, swifts were known to have a colony in that building and had for many years. Clearly demolition should not have commenced until after the nesting season. There is a whole paper trail through the planning process from the start to evidence that swifts had an established nesting colony in this building.*   Swifts are loyal to their nest sites and will return year after year. Clarion Housing should have carried out a building survey immediately prior to demolition work as they knew there were swifts nesting each year from April to September   We are part of the national group: Swifts Local Network and it is expected that this demolition killed and injured swifts, (a red listed, legally protected species, that has experienced more than a 60% decline in their numbers since the 1980s) in the rubble of Regent House, now the scene of the most terrible wildlife crime. We will lose the swift if we continue like this.   Incidentally, Clarion Housing had also blocked/obstructed active swift nests in Burgess Hill, Sussex just last week and the Swift Local Network members also had to intervene there. There has clearly been no adherence to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for building depentdent species.   This incident has been reported to Surrey Police as a wildlife crime by the resident.   We would welcome your explanation as to why this was allowed to happen particularly as you had the evidence of swifts present since 2022 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is very clear.   Currently we have a wildlife emergency around the site.   With best regards     Anne-Marie & Barry Griffin, Founders of Banstead Swifts, a voluntary grass roots conservation group.   *Recipients of: Surrey County Council, Surrey Local Nature Recovery, Community Grant, 2026* *Members of: Swifts Local Network, a national group of swift conservationists & Surrey Wildlife Trust, Surrey Swift Group* *Work with: Autism Friendly Surrey & Banstead Commons Conservators*

Alistair <alis...@alofanglia.plus.com>: May 29 04:23PM +0100 The local news programmes could be interested….or even Springwatch…   It is so frustrating and depressing to hear of these incidences….   Alistair

Banstead Swifts <banstea...@gmail.com>: May 29 11:16AM -0700 Update: Site visit and Surrey Wildlife Trust Response   1. Barry and I went to the site at 5.30pm today. It was all locked up but 7 swifts were overhead. 2 swifts twice screamed around the tiny part of what is left of the building. That made me cry.   The sight is flattened with warning signs everywhere of cctv. We took a step stool to see if we might be able to look over the hoarding enough to use the binoculars to check the ground. They didn't help. We have taken photos.   2. We then received an email from Surrey Wildlife Trust. I had submitted a formal complaint to them yesterday as it appeared they had signed off without mentioning swifts. *Here is their reply, 2 key points: documents are missing presumably not provided by Clarion. Demolition was specifically not to take place until November 2026.*   Be prepared to be shocked.   Email from SWT:   Thank you for making us aware of the demolition activity at Regent House by Dorking Station.   We appreciate you reaching out to us as we take this matter very seriously.   For context, SWT Ecology Planning Advisory Service's role is to review all ecological information submitted to the Local Planning Authority (in this case Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) and check this against legislation and planning policy. The team does not object or support applications, nor do we enforce the application of the decision.   We understand from speaking with MVDC the following:   - Prior to determining the application information on the presence of swifts was provided to them. - They also determined the application on the basis of the ecological submission(s) which includes reference to potential for swift, and that bird(s) (not identified to species in the report) were recorded nesting in the B5 building. - Swifts were material to the discussion at the planning committee, where I understand it was agreed that more than one swift brick would be installed and secured as part of the scheme. - A Landscape Environmental Management Plan is a required condition, and this has not been submitted to the Local Authority. It is usually at this stage that we comment on the measures proposed. If this is submitted and we are consulted, we would require more than one swift brick   We can confirm that:   - The application decision notice (reference MO/2023/1814) required the production of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). - We reviewed the document which clearly stated that building demolition will be carried out in November due to bird nesting restrictions. - We recommended that an update site check was carried out by an ecologist, to include of buildings. - MVDC discharged the condition on the basis of our review.   What we have done:   - We have notified and urgently reviewed the matter with the MVDC. As a result, we understand that they are investigating the matter on-site. - We have reviewed our processes and involvement on the project and can confirm that swifts were material to the application decision.   We understand you have reported this to the police, and we would urge you to continue reporting this, although you have been frustrated by their lack of response.   If you have any further queries, we'd advise you liaise directly with MVDC. They have enforcement powers which we do not and if action is required, they are best placed to act on this.   Best regards   Rob *Manager - Ecology Planning Advice Services* Surrey Wildlife Trust

Banstead Swifts <banstea...@gmail.com>: May 29 11:24AM -0700 Hi Alistair   We tagged all the news and politicals and everyone we could think of to our news post. No response from the media at all. They did not want to know about our own obstructed swift nest here 2 weeks ago either: the editor of BBC Surrey said, oh, if it is 'just one nest, its not newsworthy'. The media are not easy to engage when you need them.   The Police are the same.   The Police have just called the young resident tonight...the officer told her that he was passing it on, but there would be no chance of prosecution. He is right. There is never a chance of any wildlife prosecution in Surrey Police, as that is their default position. It's called lazy policing, or perhaps there is something else behind it. They'd not called the district council for information otherwise they would have known they were investigating.   I asked for that officers report by email as I have a disability and need the written word. I was told I would have to submit a subject access inquiry, which I thought was odd and discriminating. Surrey Police do not want to take any action on wildlife because top down have presumably told them to prioritise particular crimes only.   So no wonder, Clarion thought they would get away with it, and will think they will get away with it.

Banstead Swifts <banstea...@gmail.com>: May 29 11:28AM -0700 Reply from Clarion received late this afternoon: presumably after Mole Valley District Council had been onto them:     Nick Wood 16:48 (2 hours ago)         Dear Anne-Marie and Barry,     I confirm receipt of your email and that this is being reviewed. We will respond to you next week with an update and once we have been able to review the information with our contractor.     Best regards     Nick     *Nick Wood – Regional Managing Director - South, MRICS*   *Latimer by Clarion Housing Group*

Heidi Collishaw <heidico...@googlemail.com>: May 29 07:51PM +0100 How distressing for you and the swifts. What can we do, collectively, to support Banstead swifts with this issue?   Heidi (westow swifts, north Yorks).   On Fri, 29 May 2026, 19:16 Banstead Swifts, <banstea...@gmail.com> wrote:

Tony Croft <the.cro...@gmail.com>: May 29 08:27PM +0100 Absolutely disgraceful lack of action by the authorities and a developer and flagarent disregard for the law...   ....how sad for these desperate birds trying their best to survive.   The developer and authorities should all be ashamed of themselves!   Best Regards Tony   On Fri, 29 May 2026, 20:03 'Heidi Collishaw' via swiftslocalnetwork, <

Banstead Swifts <banstea...@gmail.com>: May 29 02:28PM -0700 That is really kind of you to even think of that and I feel like we need help, but I don't know what that is yet. I have just seen another line of information from the District Council and this case looks so bad, so rotten to the core. I think I need to see what unfolds over the next few days with the Police. I might know then what we need.   It has been the worst May ever for swifts, I seem to have spent most of the month fighting for them. Kindest Annie   On Friday, 29 May 2026 at 20:03:38 UTC+1 coloursofmemory wrote:

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Swifts and monogamy

Rowena Baxter <rowena...@yahoo.co.uk>: May 29 08:17AM For those who missed it, there was a most interesting piece on Springwatch last night about swifts and monogamy (or not!) - I thoroughly recommend a look.  I did wonder how he tells individuals apart. Rowena Baxter

emma....@icloud.com: May 29 10:20AM +0100 I had the exact same thought about telling them apart! I noticed some of them had rings on their legs but not all   Emma Bungay (she/her)   Instagram @emma_explores_nature   On 29 May 2026, at 09:17, 'Rowena Baxter' via swiftslocalnetwork <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> wrote:      For those who missed it, there was a most interesting piece on Springwatch last night about swifts and monogamy (or not!) - I thoroughly recommend a look. I did wonder how he tells individuals apart.   Rowena Baxter   --   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/1764179859.3830082.1780042657611%40mail.yahoo.com.

Tanya Hoare <ta.h...@btinternet.com>: May 29 10:19PM +0100 Colour ringing. Fascinating study, presented at the sln conference last November and again now at the international swift conference in county mayo.   Tanya   Sent from my iPad   On 29 May 2026, at 10:21, emma.bungay via swiftslocalnetwork <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> wrote:      I had the exact same thought about telling them apart! I noticed some of them had rings on their legs but not all   Emma Bungay (she/her)   Instagram @emma_explores_nature   On 29 May 2026, at 09:17, 'Rowena Baxter' via swiftslocalnetwork <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> wrote:      For those who missed it, there was a most interesting piece on Springwatch last night about swifts and monogamy (or not!) - I thoroughly recommend a look. I did wonder how he tells individuals apart.   Rowena Baxter   --   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/1764179859.3830082.1780042657611%40mail.yahoo.com.   --   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/0716B68D-354E-4C9A-91A7-05A1203A4ED5%40icloud.com.

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Nest box cameras - lighting

Swifts (SOS) <swi...@suffolkbirdgroup.org>: May 29 09:03AM +0200 Morning all   There’s a bit of a debate going on here with regard to nest box camera lighting.   Has anyone experience of either nighttime IR or daytime camera lights putting birds off from nesting, displacing them to unmonitored nest boxes for instance?   Very best wishes Eddie SuffolkBirdGroup.org --                     Suffolk Bird Group (SBG) is committed to protecting your privacy as a member.  If you share your contact details we will keep them on a secure spreadsheet to enable us to fulfil our responsibilities to provide you with the benefits of membership.  We value your support and will not pass on information about you to anyone outside SBG.  If you would prefer not to receive future information from SBG please inform us by emailing communi...@suffolkbirdgroup.org <http://communications@suffolkbirdgroup.org>

Storrington Swifts <storring...@gmail.com>: May 29 05:20AM -0700 Hi Eddie,   Definitely not an expert and I know many experts have no problem with box lights. We recently installed our first box with a light (Blink camera with IR light) and when it went on the bird appeared horrified and threw itself into the corner of the box facing the corner. I continued to monitor for signs of its reaction becoming less extreme and after at least 6 occasions and no sign of improvement, I chickened out and turned it off. I don't know if it was just a particularly nervous bird or whether if I had persevered it would have got used to it but I just didn't want to take the risk. It was our first occupied box of the project so it is very precious.   I'll be very interested to hear what others say.   Julie   On Friday, 29 May 2026 at 08:03:32 UTC+1 Eddie Bathgate wrote:

Alistair <alis...@alofanglia.plus.com>: May 29 04:20PM +0100 I turned the light off and just use the infra red but in the church boxes this year I’ve used a light with a bit of insulation tape over it and the pair seem quite happy…I was hoping to remove the light but the way it is set up I din’t have the time to remove it…. David Lack talks about the swifts getting used to the light if I remember correctly in Swifts in the Tower…   Cheers   Alistair

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Iroko hardwood / African Teak

hythescream <hythe...@gmail.com>: May 29 04:50AM -0700 Another thing is the cost of this wood. How much will it cost per box? Why not start using the SLN uPVC discount? A box then costs under £5 to make including a nest cup and lasts almost forever. You can now paint uPVC to look like wood/brick etc. Looking at the cost of boxes generally, the cheaper they are, the more you can make, and the more swifts you can house per £. Most commercial boxes also harbour massive amounts of tax and VAT which the government are happy to take off the swifts! So on top of the environmental issues, the iroko idea is ridiculous in the circumstances IMHO   Ron

Alistair <alis...@alofanglia.plus.com>: May 29 03:11PM +0100 Duraply is an alternative… Grown in Italy in poplar plantations……fast growing so high rate fo carbon capture. https://www.garnica.one/en-uk/plywood-panels/range/duraply/duraply.html   Cheers   Alistair

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Swift calls

hythescream <hythe...@gmail.com>: May 29 03:50AM -0700 Ive got a load of files you can have. They are just ones I've collected off various swift sites.   Notes: When you say "bluetooth" , I assume you are playing them from your phone to a bluetooth speaker? The danger of this is that your phone speaker will play other sounds too unless you put your phone on Do Not Disturb while you play them! You can loop a set of files with Spotify, join them together or repeat them with Audacity, or play them in an automatic loop off a usb stick with a cheap amp. I use cheap amps with a wifi timer, so it's hands off, and I can easily turn it off for the day if the weather is bad. You can use a silent mp3 to create a gap, by copying it as many times, and in whatever order you fancy.   Ron   On Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 6:56:13 PM UTC+1 blaenplwyf69 wrote:

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[No Subject]

Mike Priaulx <michael...@yahoo.com>: May 29 07:40AM Hi Andrew, I'd have no concerns about playing calls 2 miles away from your first site, or even 20m away. I've only seen positive benefits of additional call locations, with more birds attracted and, for a communal bird, generally adding to the desirability of the neighbourhood. I've not seen any evidence that it could be a distraction or cause confusion. Good luck! All the best, Mike Islington and Hackney Swifts Groups New & Potential colonies - some advice please Andrew Turney <andrew...@gmail.com>: May 27 01:33PM +0100 In D&G we have a rural site that installed 8 nest boxes and a couple of callers in 2024 which they have been using as per timing advice morning and evening, they had a small amount of swift interest for a few days, then in 2025 2 birds stayed around for a couple of weeks. On Sunday 24th 2 swifts arrived and are now constantly around the house and garden and going in an out of the boxes, a 3rd swift appeared on 26th. There is another location that also has installed boxes and a caller, this site is about 2 miles away from the site with the new arrivals. Is it likely that running the caller at the 2nd site will distract / confuse the birds who have been attracted to the new site and would it be sensible not to use the caller at the 2nd site to let the birds establish themselves at the new site. Many thanks Andrew

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[Edward Mayer]

One needs to be careful exactly which swift calls are used. In general only nest defence calls work to attract swifts. Ones that one finds on the internet may not be these and may not work so well.