Here is the presentation delivered by our Community Wildlife Officer (East) about these birds and what we can do to help them.
Link to YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InjvxiYDE5c&t=3s
Discussion points after the presentation were:
The correct height to put up bird boxes - though many places will say it should be 3 metres above ground, you can put them lower and still expect to see birds coming in to them. Even if it isn’t swifts/house martins, there will be other birds who might use them that you will be helping out (sparrows for instance), but swifts and house martins might still use them.
Help installing bird boxes - local farmers/electricians/engineers may help. The Conservation Volunteers can be called upon (they may charge a small fee)
For sourcing bird boxes - Men in Sheds often make these boxes so find out where your local Men in Sheds are based and contact them. If you are local to Bisham then 'Bisham nest boxes group' also make a range of bird boxes.
We also spoke about how to delicately approach Parish Councils/contractors to talk about working more sensitively for nature. Great points were made about gently informing them of why it is important to consider environmentally-friendly management of spaces.
If you need to bring up the law later down the line then you can do, and if you are aware of a wildlife crime being committed then you can take a photo and report that to your local police officers by dialling 101, or call the RSPB Wildlife Enquiries line on 01767693690.
