The Dyfi Biosphere Swift Project was created by the Machynlleth Biodiversity Group, local wildlife enthusiasts, volunteers and carpenters in 2021.
By the summer of 2024 the group had installed 240 boxes across the Biosphere. The initial phase of the project was generously funded by Garthgwynion Charities, with support from the Machynlleth Rotary Club.
Why swifts?
Swifts are one of our most charismatic summer visitors, flying thousands of miles from Africa to nest and raise their young in the northern climes of Europe and the UK. There are over 100 species of swift worldwide, occurring on every continent apart from Antarctica. The Common Swift (Gwennol Ddu in Welsh) usually arrives in Britain in late April or early May, and their distinctive screeching is one of the sounds of summer.
Tragically, swift numbers have dropped dramatically in recent years, with a 58% decrease since 1995. In 2021, swifts were added to the UK Red List, meaning they are now classified with the highest level of conservation concern. We could see the disappearance of swifts from Britain in our lifetime, which would be an utter tragedy.
Swifts are affected by climate change, but also a lack of suitable nest sites, with newer buildings leaving no room for them to build their nests. Swift boxes or swift bricks, which have been designed to allow space for them to lay their eggs, are a way of giving them a helping hand.Thanks to donations and a grant from Garthgwynion Charities, the Dyfi Biosphere Swift Project – with the help of local carpenters Alice Midmore and Simon Simon Layton – has successfully installed 80 swift boxes across the biosphere region.
If you would like a swift box installed on your property, or wish to donate or volunteer, please contact coordinator@biosfferdyfi.cymru.
Recording sightings
It is helpful to know where swifts have been seen. You can register sightings and nest boxes using the RSPB’s ’Swift Mapper’ app. If possible, records should also be registered on the Local Environment Record Centre website.
There is also a swifts group in Ceredigion: email CeredigionSwiftProject@gmail.com or see the Facebook page.
Check out these other sites too:
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Action for Swifts UK blog
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Natur Dyfi Facebook group for nature sightings in the Biosphere
Latest news
The 200th project swift box was installed at Ty Cemaes, the village shop and cafe owned and managed by Isabel Bottoms. At least three pairs of common swifts nest naturally under the eaves and three boxes were installed on the property with the hope of attracting more. The Dyfi Biosphere Swift Project awarded Ty Cemaes the status of Swift Champion (left).
A Swift Champion Award also went to the Co-op store in Machynlleth (right), where 17 swift boxes of various designs were installed by project volunteers on the frontage of the shop, providing 32 separate nesting chambers. Several pairs of swifts already nest in boxes at Ty Pendre opposite the Co-op and it is hoped that these extra boxes will increase the swift population in town.
The award was sponsored by Elfyn and Eirlys Pugh and reads - ‘Presented to the Machynlleth Co-op store in recognition of their outstanding support for Swift Conservation Wales’.
Llanidloes High School
Keep Wales Tidy worked with Year 8 pupils and a street artist to come up with this design for their school shed.
