February 2026
On 13th February, we met up with Dave Boddington, (Swift Champion for Sussex Ornithological Society), once again to install seven more Swift nest boxes around Lewes. It was a good day to choose because, in contrast to the weather forecast, it was dry, warm and not windy. That makes 211 Swift boxes that we have installed so far!
Four of the boxes that we installed are near existing colony of Swifts, so we paid for these and installed them free of charge - thanks to a grant from Chalk Cliff Trust.
New Swift boxes in Prince Edward's Road, Gundreda Road, and Fitzjohn's Road
More Swift boxes in Abinger Place, Southover High Street, and Christie Road
The last box - in Station Street
On 4th February, we installed a new double Peak Swift nest box on our house!
We also painted the one that was installed in 2021, to give it further protection from the weather. This gave us the chance to look inside and see where the Swifts had successfully bred last year. They appeared to have crushed the build-up of four years worth of Sparrow nests to make a base about as firm as concrete!
The new double nest box
Inside the nest box that was used by Swifts last year
January 2026
Lewes Swift Supporters had a very good year in 2025. Don't forget to look at our Annual Report for the full details of an excellent year!
We are looking forward to seeing Swifts in Lewes in the spring - they usually arrive at the end of April. Meanwhile, you might want to look at this video animation from Hannah Bourne-Taylor to remind us about these wonderful birds.
A Swift Story: