Wenhaston · Suffolk · Since 2018

Wenhaston Save Our Swifts Action Group

A small group of residents organising events to promote swift awareness and conservation in Wenhaston.

Get in touch Group Activities

Why it matters

Swifts need Wenhaston as much as we need them

We formed in 2018 having become aware of the recent rapid decline in our swift numbers as reported by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

“The swift is one of those birds it is easy to take for granted. Arriving in England for the summer to breed, the high soaring scimitar shapes in the sky and the screaming of the bird around the rooftops can slip into the background of everyday life. Yet over the last 25 years there has been a decline of over 50% of the birds we see.”

Suffolk Wildlife Trust · suffolkwildlifetrust.org/swifts
Chart showing rapid decline in UK swift numbers between 1994 and 2018 from the UK Breeding Bird Survey

The UK Breeding Bird Survey shows rapid decline in swift numbers between 1994 and 2018.

The latest BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) breeding bird data is out. It shows a 7% decline between 2024 and 2025 for the Common Swift. It’s a 44% decline since 2014 and a 70% decline since 1995.

Swifts flying over cottage roofs and eaves in Wenhaston
Swifts screaming over village roofs — the places they return to nest each summer.

Our aims

Protecting sites. Building new ones.

The aims of our group are to raise awareness, keep nest sites safe, and help the colony grow.

  • Raise awareness about the threat and decline of swift numbers
  • Protect existing nest sites
  • Encourage owners to preserve or replace nest sites when they are threatened
  • Encourage planners and builders to install brick or wall nest boxes on any new development
  • Encourage householders to install nest boxes with calling devices on their property
  • Celebrate the arrival of swifts in May
  • Enjoy the presence of swifts as they nest and feed around the village
  • Boost insect life by making public and private green spaces more wildlife and wildflower friendly
  • Measure local swift numbers by carrying out an annual count (baseline count in 2018)

What we have achieved

Boxes, counts, and village life

From nest boxes on homes, the Village Hall and Wenhaston Primary School, to a flag on St Peter’s Church when the swifts return.

26
new swift boxes installed in 2025
70+
estimated swift boxes in the village
32
directly observed nest sites (including 10 boxes)
  • Private residents have installed swift nest boxes on their property; boxes are also at the Village Hall and Wenhaston Primary School. Additional nest boxes were installed on the Village Hall in 2025.
  • We have several nest boxes installed in St Peter's Church Tower. We have observed increased swift activity around the tower over the last two years and we hope they will soon make a home there.
  • A swift flag is put up on St Peter’s Church flag pole when the swifts return, and taken down when they depart.
  • Open gardens in 2018 and 2019 raised awareness and shared leaflets about the decline in swift numbers.
  • We provide information via the village publication Wenhaston Warbler.
  • Residents may purchase our custom house tile — “Swifts nest here!”
Additional nest boxes installed on Wenhaston Village Hall in 2025
Additional nest boxes installed on the Village Hall, 2025
Swift nest box at the school
Nest box at the school
The swift flag at St Peter’s Church
The swift flag at St Peter's Church.

Village gatherings

Group Activities

The group meets at least twice a year to make plans. We also organise two Swift Counts each year to monitor numbers of birds residing in and flying above the village. Everyone is welcome to join us on the annual Swift Pint Walk.

Annual swift counts

Since 2018 we observe and count swifts flying overhead from various points around the village at the same day and time, so we are as sure as we can be that we are not double-counting. We survey twice — early July and late July — using a method introduced by Alan Miller. Figures below are maximum numbers from the late July count; they are indicative rather than absolute totals.

Year Count
2018126
2019151
202076
2021102
2022102
2023123
2024141
202532

We think the majority of adult swifts arrived and left early in 2020.

Open to all

Swift Pint Walk

Every year we hold a Swift Pint walk, open for anyone to join. It takes members around the village viewing nest sites and swift screaming parties, ending at The Star Inn, which has swifts nesting in its roof.

Dates are set at our planning meetings — get in touch to be added to the list.

Arrivals and departures

First and last sightings recorded in Wenhaston. See also this year’s nests, boxes and screaming parties on swiftmapper.org.uk — zoom into Wenhaston.

Year First seen Last seen
20109 May1 Aug
20111 May7 Aug
201220 May29 Jul
20135 May28 Jul
20144 May20 Jul
20153 May9 Aug
20161 May24 Jul
201730 Apr30 Jul
20186 May5 Aug
20194 May26 Jul
20201 May10 Aug
20218 May13 Aug
202210 May17 Aug
202329 Apr6 Aug
20246 May17 Aug
202530 Apr23 Aug
Volunteers and villagers gathered for a Swift Pint Walk in Wenhaston
Ready for the Swift Pint Walk — binoculars optional, curiosity welcome.

Advice & resources

If you find a grounded swift

Helping a grounded swift does not mean giving it a home. You may be able to give first aid, or refer it to a local specialist who can provide more specialised care.

Place the bird in a box with several small air holes — a shoe box with a lid is ideal — lined with a couple of layers of kitchen roll. Keep the box in a quiet, warm place away from noise and interference.

Then follow the Swift Conservation first aid guidance, or contact the group for advice on local specialist care.

Not sure if it is a swift? Watch this short video by Simon Hooton from Suffolk Wildlife Trust on telling swifts, house martins, sand martins and swallows apart.

Further reading

Ceramic plaque: Swifts nest here! Wenhaston Save our Swifts Action Group

Get involved

Interested in our activities?

If you would like to know more about our counts, Swift Pint Walk, nest boxes, or anything else we do, please contact Kate by email.

Contact Kate: WenhastonSOSActiongroup@gmail.com

Action Group members

  • Kate Archibald — Co-ordinator
  • Jonathan Alder
  • Ann Follows
  • Myles Archibald
  • Richard Atkins
  • Jan Clements
  • Annie Jellicoe
  • Alan Miller
  • Jo Small