Swift double-bill from Stroud charity
Swifts make an extraordinary journey every year, travelling over 6,000 miles from central Africa to breed here in the UK… and they live their entire life on the wing, landing only to nest.
Stroud Valleys Project are inviting people who’d like to learn more about these remarkable birds to join them for a swift double bill: a daytime talk followed by an evening walk, as part of Swift Awareness Week (Monday 2 to Sunday 10 July).
The lunchtime talk, by one of the UK’s leading swift experts, will take place at Stroud Brewery, London Road, on Saturday 2 July.
Edward Mayer has had a fascination for swifts since he spotted them soaring above his hometown of Southampton. After he had set up an advice and information service in London, the RSPB asked Edward to make it national, leading to the creation of Swift Conservation, an online one-stop shop for swift enthusiasts.
Edward will lead attendees along the extraordinary lifeline of a swift, before outlining some of the reasons for their decline – and what’s being done to increase their numbers again.
Refreshments, including Hobbs House cakes, will be available to purchase from Stroud Brewery following the talk. There will also be a chance to chat with representatives from the Stroud Swift Group, who will display swift nest boxes and talk about the important work being undertaken to support this recently red-listed species here in Stroud District.
To buy tickets for the talk, which runs from 2pm until 4pm and costs £7.50, visit Swifts and Local Biodiversity Talk or call 01453 753358.
To pre-order a £10 platter from Stroud Brewery to enjoy during the talk, call 01453 887122.
Photo: courtesy of Bristol Swifts website
Then, on Wednesday 6 July, you can see swift nesting sites and hopefully the birds themselves as part of a walking tour with local expert John Crowther.
John will be leading an evening walk around swift-friendly locations in Minchinhampton between 7pm and 9pm. To book tickets, priced at £3 for children and £7 for adults, visit Swift Walk around Minchinhampton or call 01453 753358.