Double-weekend event to bring swift awareness to Kendal

Will Abbott
·2-min read
Swifts arrive in Kendal in early May to nest <i>(Image: John Darby)</i>
Swifts arrive in Kendal in early May to nest (Image: John Darby)

National Swift Awareness Week is taking flight again in Kendal.

The annual event will be hosted over two weekends this year, and is hosted by Kendal Swifts, a conservation group dedicated to protecting these birds.

On Saturday, July 6, between 10am and 2pm, residents are invited to connect with the team at the Bird Cage in Kendal town centre to learn more about the birds.

A free public talk will follow on Saturday, July 13th at 2.30pm at the Fellside Centre on Sepulchre Lane.

After this talk, guests will have the opportunity to partake in either a swift-related craft activity or a short stroll offering a glimpse of where swifts are nesting in the area.

Ros Taylor of Kendal Swifts said: "We always love to talk about swifts and to tell people how wonderful they are.

"They visit us for a few short summer months, and depend on us for their nest sites, so we want everyone to appreciate them as much as we do.

This is our chance to spread the message."

Swifts make a marathon 15,000-mile journey back to the exact same nest in Kendal every year.

Paula Davies of Kendal Swifts, who is organising the event at the Fellside Centre, said: “I’ve always loved the sound of swifts in May, hooray spring is here!

"But only recently did I discovered just how amazing our Kendal Swifts are - a 15,000 mile journey to the exact same nest site every year - now that truly is something to celebrate!”

Common swifts (Apus apus) are on the British Trust for Ornithology’s Red List, signifying that they are of most concern and in need of urgent action.

Swifts commence their nesting period in Kendal around early May, nurturing two-three swiftlets before leaving their nests by early August.

Apart from breeding, swifts remain in constant flight and favour buildings as nesting sites, although boxes or swift bricks can be used, too.

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