Bird Boxes on Supermarkets

[Helen Lucy]

Hi all,
As some of you may be aware, I have been fund raising for a project to install swift boxes on the doorless, windowless rear side of a Tesco Extra building, in mitigation for the loss of many nesting sites in three nearby tower blocks, which are due to be demolished next Autumn. I was told that I had gained permission from the store manager by the then Community Champion. I have raised £2000 to cover cost of 20 boxes, solar callers and installation.
Today, the Tesco Community Champion, who has recently returned from mat leave, says she knows nothing about it, and it's unlikely it will be allowed because of the risk of attracting birds to the building. She seems very closed off to the idea, and kept talking about pigeons and risk to food security. I’d be grateful if any of you could share with me stories of food stores allowing Swift boxes to be installed on their buildings to show the store that their fears are unfounded. (I am already aware of Brian Calahane in N Ireland and his Tesco Swift Tower.). My words so far have fallen on deaf ears.
Many thanks
Helen Lucy
Help....@gmail.com

[Henry Kenner]

my local Tesco at Stow.on the Wold had an extension and installed 8 Swift Bricks using the same local community tesco funding if that helps.

henry

--
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/A37C329E-EC8E-4D2E-9B5A-000053D00796%40gmail.com.

[Helen Lucy]

Thanks Henry, that will definitely help! Helen. 

To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/swiftslocalnetwork/CAJCtTdHEnYCOx_V2jaOhaTYDGsh5KFGODA-cDK0bHsa2txW%2BFg%40mail.gmail.com.

[Louise at Bolton and Bury Swifts]

Hi Helen,

That is so disheartening but I hope you can turn this decision around.

Elfyn Pugh has had 17 Swift Boxes installed on the CO-OP supermarket in Machynlleth.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EKR7yHDCj/

Best Wishes,

Louise

 

      

 

Bolton & Bury Swifts

Facebook  Instagram  

House Martin Conservation

Bolton Green Umbrella

 

---

From: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Helen Lucy <hmll...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 11:35:41
To: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [SLN] Bird Boxes on Supermarkets

 

[Alistair]

Hi Helen

Funny isn’t it how sometimes the corporate message doesn’t filter down, yet Tesco supports WWF in their initiatives !  

https://www.wwf.org.uk/who-we-are/who-we-work-with/tesco

So perhaps you could say you are following what WWF have told you which Tesco supports and taking action.  Swifts are an insect eater so are doing their bit to protect sheep and cattle from blue tongue disease while they are here eating midges that could carry the virus while also eating aphids which carry potato viruses…..

https://www.wwf.org.uk/12waystofightforyourworld

Also why not contact the chairman of Tesco directly and see what happens or Christine Heffernan who is the Group Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer and Stewart Gilliland Chair of the Sustainability Committee and nonexcutive director.  

https://www.tescoplc.com/media/yjmlhji0/tesco-sustainability-report-2026.pdf

We had a Lidl store in Bovey Tracy who put some boxes up on the rear wall of a store a mixture of blue tit, bat and open front but no integrated swift boxes which would have been so easy and more aesthetically pleasing……

The battles continue the war is not won!

All the best

Alistair

Kingsteignton Swifts

 

On 21 Oct 2026, at 12:37, Louise at Bolton and Bury Swifts <super...@outlook.com> wrote:

Hi Helen,

That is so disheartening but I hope you can turn this decision around.

Elfyn Pugh has had 17 Swift Boxes installed on the CO-OP supermarket in Machynlleth.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EKR7yHDCj/

Best Wishes,

Louise

 

<jpeg-img-8c05916e-1280-4be7-a73f-0dff0ef48a32.jpeg>   <png-img-a0a4e622-c5e0-4b47-b922-a96a93c6c395.png>   <jpeg-img-3b58297c-6232-4056-bf68-9152dd9e3625.jpeg>

 

Bolton & Bury Swifts

Facebook  Instagram  

House Martin Conservation

Bolton Green Umbrella

 

---

From: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Helen Lucy <hmll...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 11:35:41
To: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [SLN] Bird Boxes on Supermarkets

 

Hi all,
As some of you may be aware, I have been fund raising for a project to install swift boxes on the doorless, windowless rear side of a Tesco Extra building, in mitigation for the loss of many nesting sites in three nearby tower blocks, which are due to be demolished next Autumn.  I was told that I had gained permission from the store manager by the then Community Champion.  I have raised £2000 to cover cost of 20 boxes, solar callers and installation.
Today, the Tesco Community Champion, who has recently returned from mat leave, says she knows nothing about it, and it's unlikely it will be allowed because of the risk of attracting birds to the building.  She seems very closed off to the idea, and kept talking about pigeons and risk to food security.  I’d be grateful if any of you could share with me stories of food stores allowing Swift boxes to be installed on their buildings to show the store that their fears are unfounded.  (I am already aware of Brian Calahane in N Ireland and his Tesco Swift Tower.). My words so far have fallen on deaf ears.
Many thanks
Helen Lucy
Help....@gmail.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/A37C329E-EC8E-4D2E-9B5A-000053D00796%40gmail.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/VI0P195MB3224B66B4FE74927F165EF5CB1662%40VI0P195MB3224.EURP195.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM.

[Alistair]

Hi Helen

Funny isn’t it how sometimes the corporate message doesn’t filter down, yet Tesco supports WWF in their initiatives !  

https://www.wwf.org.uk/who-we-are/who-we-work-with/tesco

So perhaps you could say you are following what WWF have told you which Tesco supports and taking action.  Swifts are an insect eater so are doing their bit to protect sheep and cattle from blue tongue disease while they are here eating midges that could carry the virus while also eating aphids which carry potato viruses…..

https://www.wwf.org.uk/12waystofightforyourworld

Also why not contact the chairman of Tesco directly and see what happens or Christine Heffernan who is the Group Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer and Stewart Gilliland Chair of the Sustainability Committee and nonexcutive director.  

https://www.tescoplc.com/media/yjmlhji0/tesco-sustainability-report-2026.pdf

We had a Lidl store in Bovey Tracy who put some boxes up on the rear wall of a store a mixture of blue tit, bat and open front but no swift boxes which would have been so easy and more aesthetically pleasing……

The battles continue the war is not won!

All the best

Alistair

Kingsteignton Swifts

 

On 21 Oct 2026, at 12:37, Louise at Bolton and Bury Swifts <super...@outlook.com> wrote:

Hi Helen,

That is so disheartening but I hope you can turn this decision around.

Elfyn Pugh has had 17 Swift Boxes installed on the CO-OP supermarket in Machynlleth.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EKR7yHDCj/

Best Wishes,

Louise

 

<jpeg-img-8c05916e-1280-4be7-a73f-0dff0ef48a32.jpeg>   <png-img-a0a4e622-c5e0-4b47-b922-a96a93c6c395.png>   <jpeg-img-3b58297c-6232-4056-bf68-9152dd9e3625.jpeg>

 

Bolton & Bury Swifts

Facebook  Instagram  

House Martin Conservation

Bolton Green Umbrella

 

---

From: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Helen Lucy <hmll...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 11:35:41
To: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [SLN] Bird Boxes on Supermarkets

 

Hi all,
As some of you may be aware, I have been fund raising for a project to install swift boxes on the doorless, windowless rear side of a Tesco Extra building, in mitigation for the loss of many nesting sites in three nearby tower blocks, which are due to be demolished next Autumn.  I was told that I had gained permission from the store manager by the then Community Champion.  I have raised £2000 to cover cost of 20 boxes, solar callers and installation.
Today, the Tesco Community Champion, who has recently returned from mat leave, says she knows nothing about it, and it's unlikely it will be allowed because of the risk of attracting birds to the building.  She seems very closed off to the idea, and kept talking about pigeons and risk to food security.  I’d be grateful if any of you could share with me stories of food stores allowing Swift boxes to be installed on their buildings to show the store that their fears are unfounded.  (I am already aware of Brian Calahane in N Ireland and his Tesco Swift Tower.). My words so far have fallen on deaf ears.
Many thanks
Helen Lucy
Help....@gmail.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/A37C329E-EC8E-4D2E-9B5A-000053D00796%40gmail.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/VI0P195MB3224B66B4FE74927F165EF5CB1662%40VI0P195MB3224.EURP195.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM.

[Helen Lucy]

Thanks Alistair- I’ll certainly try that approach. 

Best wishes

Helen. 

To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/swiftslocalnetwork/FA4B8DCD-AD3F-4B29-8FF3-646438045BD7%40alofanglia.plus.com.

[Ben Stammers]

Hi Helen
We (N Wales Wildlife Trust) facilitated the installation of three 4-chamber Impeckable swift boxes on the back of a new Aldi store in Bangor in 2021. They were put up as part of the construction process, and we put a bit of positive PR for them in the local paper at the time. Pics and text attached. Fears over attracting pigeons / food security are unfounded - needless to say no issues over that.
Was also contacted by Clive Fleming from Hertford Swift Group a while back who was aiming to get swift boxes up on an Aldi store there - don't know if that came off?
Elfyn Pugh has famously decorated virtually the entire surface of the Machylleth Co-op with swift boxes - I'm sure he can furnish you with details...?
Good luck
Ben

-----Original Message-----
From: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com <swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Helen Lucy
Sent: 21 October 2026 11:36
To: swiftsloc...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [SLN] Bird Boxes on Supermarkets

[Helen Lucy]

Many thanks Ben - that’s very encouraging. I’ll put together all the evidence I can then hopefully speak directly with the decision makers. 

Best wishes

Helen. 

To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/swiftslocalnetwork/CWLP265MB259455AAB0A9F3481CA8DF6EBC662%40CWLP265MB2594.GBRP265.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM.

[Machynlleth & District Swift Group]

Hi Helen,

In 2024 we installed 17 swift boxes of varying designs on our local Coop store providing a total of 32 individual nesting chambers for swifts. The Coop wouldn't allow us to use a power supply from the store to power a swift caller so a local volunteer improvised battery operated swift callers which worked a treat. 

This year a pair of swifts occupied one of the boxes and successfully reared two young. 

In 2024 we also put bi-lingual (Welsh/English) infographic panels about swifts inside and outside the store. 

Our Coop project has received wide acclaim and has proved hugely popular with our local community and of course our visiting tourists. It's a 'win' 'win' situation. 

I'm now negotiating with the store manager to get her head office to allow us to use a power supply from the store so we can insert a 'nest cam' in the 'occupied' swift box to allow us to live stream the swift activity in the box online and more specifically to an in store TV monitor so that everyone can enjoy the swift activity in real time. I haven't had the go ahead yet. 

I have nothing but high praise for the store manager for her unfailing  support from the very outset of the project in fact she has given us the 'green light' to fit further swift boxes on the store if we so wish.

We have been promoting the Coop swift project as an educational tool, a platform of opportunity if you like to educate people about swifts and the threats they face in modern times. As I say it has been an incredibly successful project and has proved popular with the regular Coop store customers the wider local community. 

Perhaps Helen therein lies your 'battle plan' viz- get the store customers and the local community behind you. There has not been a single word of criticism about the Coop store installation. 

As for any issues about the potential risks to the public from swift droppings on that score swifts are very clean birds and that shouldn't be an issue. Obviously avoid putting boxes above doors and windows. 

I hope the above info helps. 

'Good luck'

Elfyn

Machynlleth & District Swift Group 

[Machynlleth & District Swift Group]

Hi Louise,

I have responded to Helen.

Cheers

Elfyn

PS- I hope you have rested and are getting a decent night's sleep following your epic swift rehab duties this year!

To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/swiftslocalnetwork/VI0P195MB3224B66B4FE74927F165EF5CB1662%40VI0P195MB3224.EURP195.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM.

[Amanda Randall]

Hi Helen,

I believe that Jacey Jackson of Shipston on Stour Action for Swifts was a driving force in getting swift bricks built into the Tesco store there.  You can see a photo here:

https://swanforwildlife.org/saving-our-swifts/

Good luck with your mission 👍 

Best wishes 

Amanda 

Harbury Swift project 

[Helen Lucy]

Thanks for that Elfyn! As Tesco themselves say “every little helps! “ 🙂

To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/swiftslocalnetwork/CAPsAeF7PMJW_VknW_J%2BK5FQhtx4ruCiEJgf0O2bLCTuOe95_Lg%40mail.gmail.com.

[Helen Lucy]

Hi Amanda - that’s good information. I couldn’t find the picture? Would you mind emailing it to me? 

Many thanks

Helen. 

[Swifts (SOS)]

In Suffolk, Halesworth Co-op has nest boxes on it. The cafe at Jimmy’s Farm (tv food bloke, friend of Jamie Oliver) has 6 Swift nest boxes above the outdoor seating courtyard. 

Very best of luck

Eddie

SuffolkBirdGroup.org

On 21 Oct 2026, at 17:27, Helen Lucy <hmll...@gmail.com> wrote:



To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/swiftslocalnetwork/CAEd5dQefLxJN539kLmQ0265BGef%2Bt9rOhAzQzS11nPbZFv18Qw%40mail.gmail.com.

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 communications@suffolkbirdgroup.org

[Amanda Randall]

Hi Helen,

If you scroll all the way down the webpage you will find it top left of all the swift-related photos....I've attached a screenshot so you know what to look for.  Jacey Jackson, who was involved, is a member of this group, and may have a better photo.

Best,

Amanda

To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/swiftslocalnetwork/CAEd5dQefLxJN539kLmQ0265BGef%2Bt9rOhAzQzS11nPbZFv18Qw%40mail.gmail.com.

[Helen Lucy]

Thank you Eddie! X

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

--
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/6769D549-E97F-4473-A920-216AD602DD78%40suffolkbirdgroup.org.