From end of March 2024 we are still able to assess homes and buildings regarding suitability for swift nests, but we shall be promoting swift bricks and soffit boxes over external wooden boxes, to ensure longevity of nest site for the swifts.
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Nest Box Installations 2020 to 2023
25th June - Two box Model 30 installation at Bexhill. Instant impact! The caller had just been installed and on for 10 minutes when three swifts appeared from nowhere! Everything crossed 
22nd June - Update from three box installation at Gensing, St.Leonards in May 2022. Top and left hand box occupied by breeding swift pairs ... sparrows in the right hand box!!
28th May - Hastings Old Town installation of a 2 tier, east facing, nest apex box and caller - what a view!!
21st May - Hastings Old Town installation. 4 box Model 30.
18th May 2023 - Three box Model 30 installation and caller at Cranbrook, Kent.
26th November - three Model 30 boxes installed under deep UPVC eaves on a south facing wall in Bohemia, Hastings. The homeowner originally approached us when we had an awareness raising stall on George Street market as part of the St. Leonard's Festival in the summer. The installation was planned to concide with the erection of scaffolding for exterior decoration and installation of solar panels on the roof. Perfect timing for the safe and easy addition of swift nest boxes! A speaker was also installed in readiness for the addition of a caller in May. There are expansive views down over the town towards the sea ... we are sure the swifts will love it!
19th June - two Model 30 boxes installed at Crowhurst. Heh!! Chimney Swifts!! Other boxes and a caller are installed very close by and swifts are already prospecting in the immediate vicinity.
12th June - Five Model 30 boxes installed at the Rye Retreat - the Aveda Lifestyle salon and spa, situated in the ancient Cinque Port town of Rye. Swift caller will be added next weekend.
29th May - Four Model 30 boxes and caller installation started at Crowhurst. Making good use of the temporary scaffolding!
28th May - Three Model 30 boxes and caller installation at West Hill, Hastings.
14th May 2022 - Gensing, St. Leonards - 3 Model 30 boxes and a caller installed in St. Leonards under gin clear blue skies.
April 2022 - Fairlight Hall - 5 Model 30 boxes installed on one of the buildings at the magnificent Fairlight Hall.
15th January 2022 - Staplecross - A four box installation, by ageing bloke in glasses!
21st November 2021 - A five box installation at Crowhurst with splendid views.
17th Otober 2021 - A four box installation, complete with caller, for this property on West Hill with commanding views over the town. A treat for the Old Town population of swifts!... and a reminder to take every opportunity to use scaffolding that has been erected for building work, to also erect homes for swifts!!
26th September 2021 - The 12 S Bricks, provided by Action for Swifts, heading to a new development at Westfield, East Sussex. These will be installed behind white cladding on the north and south apexes of one of the new buildings.
30th May 2021 - Swift caller installed and running for these five Model 30 boxes in Battle. We've been told that a group of 8-10 swifts have been screaming past today (31st) answering the recorded calls! Everything crossed! 14th June update: Member, Emma, reports "Lots of interest in the nest boxes again today.... one bird in particular was spending a lot of time in the end box, calling back to its companions outside; quite a bit of interest in the neighbouring box as well!" New photo courtesy of Pam Hawkins ... well done!!
29th May 2021 - Model 30 swift box and caller installation at West Hill, Hastings. Riding the scaffolding, very high at south facing rear of house. Prime swift nesting territory.
17th April 2021 - 3 box installation at Bohemia, Hastings
11th April 2021 - 3 box installation at West Hill Road, Hastings. Owners say on Twitter, "Fantastic work, guys! Let’s hope the neighbours will be encouraged to join in!".
3rd April 2021 - 2 box installation in St.Leonards on Sea.
20th March 2021 - Today we completed a five box installation in Battle, started on the 24th January.
20th March 2021 - A two box installation in Battle.
- 55 nest boxes installed, to date, over the last year!
- More enquiries to survey and fulfil before May!
- Let's keep this going, Battle and Hastings!!
14th March 2021 - Another installation in Hastings today. Bliss! Scaffolding to stand on!!
13th March 2021 - A 5 box installation at The Ridge, north Hastings. It was windy up that ladder today, but thankfully not as high as last week's installation!
7th March 2021 - Model 30/HM False eave double installation in Crowhurst, East Sussex.
24th January 2021 - First two of a five box installation in Battle.
17th January 2021 - Completion of four box installation at Pett.
20th December 2020 - Two boxes installed at Pett, where swifts will have access from open countryside.
12th December - Five 'Model 30' swift nest boxes installed today at Battle. 'Model 30' so named as every angled cut is 30 degrees. The uPVC rooves deflect heat, rain and predators and also act as an artificial eave. They can be installed on north, east, west and south facing walls without eaves.
5th December - Out in the countryside today! 4 boxes up and 1 more to add at this property in Battle. Another 5 required at a nearby house. Hoping to establish a new little colony here!!
21st November - A high installation today in Hastings Old Town!
14th November - Two more new nest boxes installed at St.Leonards on Sea today. It seems word is getting around!
7th November - Box installation today on the pink house in St.Leonards on Sea. Complements the two boxes next door but one to the left!! Let's hope swifts are attracted in spring by the prospects of having near neighbours!!
10th October - Today we had 2 Swift bird nesting boxes installed! Swifts need our help, their population has halved in the last 20years. Thank you @HastingsSwifts for your professionalism, helping us learn the importance of Swifts and their return to Europe in the Spring. Amanda Jobson
Yes, the aim is to maximise installations ahead of May 2021 to free up time to survey and protect traditional sites! Ian - Chair Hastings and Rother Swift Conservation Group
3rd October - Installation of two new nest boxes in St.Leonards on Sea today and more installations lined up in the area. Excellent!!
26th July - Another swift nest box installation in Hastings Old Town. There are now 4 boxes along this lovely little terrace.... and more orders for nest boxes coming in! Joy!!
21st June - Another installation today in Hastings Old Town, complete with call system to attract some new occupants! ... and to the right - another today in Hastings!!
7th June - Working hard to enhance nesting opportunities for Hastings Old Town swifts. Three new swift nest boxes installed today. Thank you to the residents!
31st May - Two new Model 30 swift nest boxes installed at Castle Hill, Hastings today. The new-build house stands tall, with wide eaves - perfect for swifts - but no provision was made for them in the planning. Not any more! Lucky swifts who find this 'des res'!!
24th May - Three new Zeist swift boxes installed today in Hastings Old Town, complete with a swift call system to attract them. Necks already craning for new tenants!
17th May - Two new Model 30 nest boxes installed in West Hill, Hastings this weekend. As we finished 4 to 6 swifts came screaming overhead! Everything crossed!!
