Conservation leaflet

[Helen Lucy]

Dear all,

Over the last couple of years I’ve had the conversation with many of you about taking the risk of telling people they have Swifts nesting.  The fear is that some residents may then take action to block the Swifts’ return. 

 My idea, is inspired by Karl Green’s idea to create a Swift Conservation Area on the West Estate in Warrington working with Cheshire Wildlife Trust. By telling people they live in an area where Swifts nest, you are alerting everyone to the needs and perils of their local Swifts, without actually pinpointing the exact house they nest in.  This way, awareness is raised and sympathetic people will take note.

Unfortunately, when I tried to do the same for my local swift hotspot estate, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust weren’t interested.  So after thinking a bit more about it, I thought there’s nothing to stop me calling it a Swift Conservation Area anyway!  Here’s the A4 folded to A5 flyer that I’ve produced.  

It is very specific to my local project, but I have adapted it for Bolton and Bury Swifts, Totley Swifts in Sheffield and Derbyshire Swift Conservation have made their own version too.  For example, Totley can’t offer free boxes, but want to advertise the possibility of fitting swift bricks, so those changes were made.

If any of you think this fits your area’s needs, email me directly on HELP....@GMAIL.COM to tell me how you would like to tailor it and I’ll see what I can do.

Best wishes

Helen Lucy.

[canterburyswifts]

Hi Helen

Another stunning leaflet from you, thank you so much, it's really beautiful! 

And a really good idea re the Swift Conservation Areas. 

We will look at doing this in the future when we have a bit more time (and money!) and have completed more surveying throughout our district after this summer. Just trying to recruit volunteers now!

Best wishes,

Ginny