“The discovery of a suitable nesting site is, undoubtedly, the most important event in the life of a Swift” – Ulrich Tigges

In Northern Ireland there are a number of plants and animals that are under threat and require conservation action.

The Swift, Apus apus, has thus been declared a priority species by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) because it has been identified as being in rapid decline i.e. 2% or more of a population decline per year.

Felix O’Hare has been working on a biodiversity project to encourage the nesting of swifts.

At QUB Riddel Hall project, the site is improving the natural environment through installation of swift boxes and MPV calling system.

The MP3 Audio calling system was built into the brickwork for Swift birds to call them in. The MP3 Audio is installed into these 12nr swift boxes which are built into North Elevation of the building as per the attached pictures.

The box has a crescent shaped hole to one side of the box, allowing swifts the access but restricting use by starlings. Inside, a rough floor makes it easier for the birds to move around. The center of the floor has a raised nest up to assist the birds’ nest building. The ideal internal depth of a swift box is 140mm, however if cavity width is limited, boxes can be manufactured with a reduced depth (minimum 100mm).

Click here to read more about Felix O’Hare’s work to protect the environment.