Our Mission
Cadbury Heath Swifts is a community-led conservation project dedicated to protecting and increasing the local Common Swift population through education, surveying, conservation and community involvement.
Our vision is simple:
To make Cadbury Heath one of the most swift-friendly communities in the country.
We believe that everyone can play a part, whether that's recording swift sightings, installing a nest box, learning more about these incredible birds, or simply spreading the word.
Why Swifts Matter
Swifts are much more than a sign that summer has arrived.
They are one of Britain's most extraordinary birds.
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They migrate over 10,000 kilometres between the UK and sub-Saharan Africa every year.
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They can remain airborne for months at a time, landing only to breed.
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A single swift can eat tens of thousands of flying insects during the breeding season.
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They often return to the same nest site every year, with pairs remaining faithful to their nesting location for many years.
Their distinctive screaming calls racing through the evening sky have become one of the most recognisable sounds of a British summer.
Without suitable nesting places, however, these sounds could disappear from many communities.
Our Swift Project
The Cadbury Heath Swift Survey is a long-term community science project.
Working with volunteers, we're building an evidence-based map of:
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Active nesting sites
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Probable nesting locations
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Regular feeding areas
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Screaming parties
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Flight corridors
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Suitable habitat
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Opportunities for new nest boxes
Every observation helps us better understand how swifts use our local area.
Over time, this information will help guide conservation work, identify priority areas for installing nest boxes, and provide valuable evidence when speaking with local councils, developers and community organisations.
Even a single observation could lead to the discovery of an important breeding colony.
How You Can Help
You don't need any previous experience to become involved.
Whether you have thirty minutes one evening or several hours each month, every contribution makes a difference.
You could:
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Join our volunteer survey team.
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Record swift sightings during the summer.
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Help identify possible nesting locations.
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Install a swift nest box on your home.
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Encourage neighbours to protect existing nest sites.
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Share information with friends and family.
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Follow our updates and help raise awareness online.
Training, guidance and support are available for anyone who would like to get involved.
Join Us
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Cadbury Heath Swifts belongs to the whole community.
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Whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or you've only just discovered these incredible birds, we'd love you to be part of the project.
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Together we can protect one of Britain's most extraordinary species and ensure that every summer, the skies above Cadbury Heath continue to be filled with the unmistakable screams of swifts.
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Because every nest matters. Every sighting matters. Every volunteer matters. Together, we can give swifts a brighter future in Cadbury Heath.
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Please click the links below to view our social media accounts.
